Through a recent statement, the U.S. Air Force (USAF) announced that on the 7th of last month, one of its F-16 fighter jets conducted the first launch of the new Stand-in Attack Weapon (SiAW) air-to-surface missile. The aircraft, part of the 40th Flight Test Squadron, was deployed over the skies of the Gulf of Mexico. The primary objective of the test was to evaluate whether the new weapon system could be launched from the aircraft, a goal successfully achieved, thereby enabling a new series of tests.
According to the information provided by the U.S. Air Force, the test took place prior to the notification of the missile’s delivery, which is manufactured by Northrop Grumman. It is important to clarify, however, that the SiAW used in this evaluation lacked both its explosive warhead and internal electronics. As stated by the Air Force: “The JTV is a tool specifically used to determine if the weapon safely separates from the aircraft after a commanded release.”
Delving into some details of the test, it is worth noting that it was coordinated by the 96th Test Wing from the Central Control Facility at Eglin Air Force Base. The activity involved not only engineers verifying technical aspects but also pilots and photographers observing the event. Major James Tipton, deputy operations director, remarked: “The successful execution of this test was a testament to the excellent teamwork of everyone involved.”
It is also useful to recall that the new SiAW system has been designed as a weapon particularly effective against rapidly relocatable targets, such as anti-ship missile batteries and jamming systems. The program, managed by the Air Force Armament Directorate, is based on the Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile-Extended Range (AARGM-ER), which is currently in an advanced stage of development. In budgetary terms, the SiAW represents a $705 million investment for the USAF.
Finally, outlining the path forward for the SiAW following this test, conducted prior to its acceptance and integration into the arsenal of USAF F-35As, it should be noted that the missile will now enter a phase of at least three additional tests and the delivery of its first prototypes. If this stage is successfully completed, the missile will proceed to incorporate its full combat capabilities and become subject to negotiations for integration into U.S. Air Force platforms. The USAF aims to achieve initial operational capability for the missile by 2026 and plans to purchase 400 units by 2028, with further acquisitions anticipated in subsequent years.
*Image credits: Sgt. Blake Wiles (USAF)
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