Northrop Grumman Delivers Stand-In Attack Weapon Test Missile to U.S. Air Force

Northrop Grumman has delivered the first Stand-In Attack Weapon (SiAW) test missile to the U.S. Air Force, initiating a critical phase of development for this air-to-ground system designed to counter rapidly relocatable threats in anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) environments.

Based on the AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile-Extended Range (AARGM-ER) and designed to penetrate enemy air defenses, the SiAW aims to target time-sensitive threats such as ballistic and cruise missile launchers, air and missile defense nodes, electronic warfare systems, and anti-satellite weapons. Northrop Grumman, the prime contractor, delivered the test missile to verify safe launch and separation from aircraft. The company secured a $705 million contract for SiAW development in September 2023.

The SiAW program builds on the U.S. Navy’s Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile-Extended Range (AARGM-ER), first live-tested in 2021. While details about SiAW’s range, speed, and capabilities are limited, AARGM-ER features GPS-aided navigation, millimeter-wave radar for locating non-emitting or moving targets, and datalink networking for off-board targeting. SiAW will likely retain these features, adding an improved warhead and broader strike capability against Anti-Access/Area Denial (A2/AD) targets, including integrated air defense systems, missile launchers, and jammers.

The Air Force intends to equip F-35A stealth fighters with SiAW for internal carriage, ensuring stealth during operations, with potential integration on other platforms like the B-21 Raider and Next Generation Air Dominance aircraft (NGAD).

SiAW testing will include at least four live-fire flights, with initial operational capability expected by 2026. Northrop Grumman is also exploring surface-launched versions of the missile, potentially expanding its use across U.S. forces and allied nations.