About the Northrop’s Newest Missile
Northrop Grumman’s SiAW missile was meticulously designed to excel in countering anti-access and aerial denial systems—a task of utmost importance in modern warfare scenarios. It builds upon the legacy of its Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile (AARGM) and the renowned AGM-88 HARM (High-speed Anti-Radiation Missile). The AGM-88 HARM (High-speed Anti-Radiation Missile), introduced in the 1980s, made history during Operation Desert Storm, swiftly homing in on and neutralizing ground-based search and track radars, deterring Iraqi radar operators from activating their systems.
SiAW, however, transcends these accomplishments, designed not only to incapacitate relocatable targets within an enemy’s anti-access/aerial denial system but also to engage a broader spectrum of threats.
Beyond its primary function of neutralizing air defense radars, the SiAW also boasts the versatility to target a wide array of high-value and fleeting objectives. These include command-and-control sites, ballistic missile launchers, cruise missile launch platforms, and other strategic assets crucial to mission success. Moreover, SiAW distinguishes itself with superior speed, extended range, and adaptability to address emerging threats anticipated beyond 2025.
We’ve been selected by the @usairforce to complete development and deliver the Stand-in Attack Weapon (SiAW), the advanced, high-speed, air-to-ground weapon that will provide precision strike capability for a new generation of air power. https://t.co/fszu7TIOfE pic.twitter.com/az44V4oQT9
— Northrop Grumman (@NGCNews) September 25, 2023
The term “stand-in” underscores its capacity to operate within heavily defended airspace, where the reach of integrated air defense systems has dramatically expanded since the HARM’s inception.
The SiAW missile is equipped with a multitude of seeker sensors and relies on cutting-edge GPS and other navigation systems for pinpoint accuracy in striking its designated targets. To reiterate, its exceptional speed and effectiveness set it apart from existing weaponry. For comparison, the AGM-88 HARM travels at speeds of up to 2,280 kilometers (1,416 miles) per hour. The SiAW is poised to outperform and surpass the capabilities of its predecessors, making it a valuable addition to the Air Force’s weaponry.
Initially deployed on the F-35, its potential integration into the B-21 bomber hints at a broader horizon for this revolutionary weapon system.
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Northrop Grumman’s $705-million contract to supply the SiAW missile for US Air Force F-35 combat jets represents a significant advancement in military technology. As the F-35 continues to serve as a cornerstone of the United States air superiority, the addition of the SiAW missile promises to further bolster its capabilities.
With its versatile targeting abilities, precision strikes, and exceptional speed, the SiAW is poised to play a pivotal role in ensuring the continued dominance of the F-35 on the battlefield. The coming years will witness the transformation of this missile from concept to operational reality, marking a milestone in the evolution of air-to-ground weaponry and military aviation.
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