Northrop Grumman, US Air Force to Develop Advanced Air-to-Ground Missile to Take on Fast-Moving Enemies

The US Air Force has awarded Northrop Grumman a substantial $705 million contract to spearhead the development of the Stand-in Attack Weapon (SiAW), a cutting-edge air-to-ground missile.

The SiAW is designed to take on fast-moving targets situated in hostile territories. Set to be operational by 2026, this state-of-the-art missile is tailored to be deployed via the F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter.

Its primary objective is to infiltrate and neutralize adversarial air defense systems and high-priority targets like command-and-control facilities, ballistic and cruise missile launchers, GPS disruption systems, anti-satellite systems, and other critical assets.

All About the SiAW of Northrop Grumman

This weapon was designed to engage highly mobile targets capable of swiftly changing positions, even at extended distances compared to its predecessors.

Enhanced sensors and a tail-controlled propulsion system facilitate this capability. Moreover, the SiAW incorporates digital engineering and the Weapon Open Systems Architecture (WOSA), allowing rapid upgrades to effectively counter emerging threats.

Northrop Grumman said the SiAW project marks a significant leap toward the next generation of air power. Leveraging the company's extensive expertise in weapons system design, development, and production, the SiAW aligns with the Air Force's digital engineering priorities, accelerating capabilities for frontline forces.

Over the next 36 months, Northrop Grumman will advance the weapon's development, conduct seamless integration with platforms, and execute an exhaustive flight testing program to facilitate rapid prototyping for swift deployment.

The work will be carried out at Northrop Grumman's facilities in Northridge, California, and at the Allegany Ballistics Laboratory in West Virginia, the company's cutting-edge missile integration facility.

Milestone for the US Air Force

Susan Bruce, Vice President of Advanced Weapons at Northrop Grumman, emphasized how the SiAW represents a pivotal milestone for the Air Force in digital weapon acquisition and development.

"Northrop Grumman's SiAW delivers on the Air Force's desire for its first digital weapons acquisition and development program. With our expert digital engineering capabilities, this next-generation missile represents an adaptable, affordable way for the Department of Defense to buy and modernize weapons," Bruce said in a press statement.

The SiAW missile is crucial for striking relocatable targets within an adversary's anti-access/area denial environment. Its open architecture interfaces permit rapid subsystem enhancements, ensuring the warfighter remains equipped to face evolving threats.

Phase 2 development of the SiAW aligns with the Air Force's approach to digital engineering, Weapon Open System Architecture, and agility. The Air Force is eyeing an initial operational capability by 2026.

This initiative is part of Northrop Grumman's extensive portfolio in advanced weapons technology, encompassing armaments, components, missiles, electronics, and interceptors, all designed to counter and deter threats on various fronts.