Northrop Grumman awarded $705 million contract for USAF’s new strike missile capability
SiAW will be developed over the next three years. (Image: Northrop Grumman)
The USAF has selected Northrop Grumman to develop and test the Stand-in Attack Weapon (SiAW), a new air-to-ground weapon system, for fifth-generation aircraft and beyond.
Northrop Grumman’s SiAW builds on the company’s weapons systems design, development and production knowledge in an effort to deliver on the air force’s digital engineering priorities and accelerate capability for the users.
During the next 36 months, Northrop Grumman will further develop the weapon, conduct platform integration and complete the flight test programme for rapid prototyping in preparation for rapid fielding.
SiAW is an air-to-ground weapon that will provide strike capability to defeat rapidly relocatable targets as part of an enemy’s anti-access/area denial environment. The missile design features open architecture interfaces that will allow for rapid subsystem upgrades to field enhanced capabilities.
Related Articles
USAF begins search to provide F-35A with more punch
Northrop Grumman looks to evolve AARGM-ER for Stand-in Attack Weapon edge
This phase 2 development is a continuation of the USAF requirement for this first-of-its-kind Middle Tier Acquisition large weapon programme focused on digital engineering, open system architecture and agility. The Air Force is targeting an initial operational capability by 2026.
Phase 2 consists of Phase 2.1 which concludes with a guided vehicle flight test and Phase 2.2 which concludes with three additional flight tests and the delivery of SiAW leave-behind prototype missiles and test assets.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Leonardo’s Proteus concludes ground tests with maiden flight on horizon]()
Leonardo’s Proteus concludes ground tests with maiden flight on horizon
The technology demonstrator forms part of a wider effort to help the Royal Navy explore the potential of uncrewed systems supporting its existing crewed aviation platforms.
-
![Airbus MQ-72C Lakota Connector progress on track ahead of pending USMC decision]()
Airbus MQ-72C Lakota Connector progress on track ahead of pending USMC decision
The MQ-7C uncrewed aircraft is currently undergoing further internal flight tests ahead of a government test event anticipated for next year.
-
![November Drone Digest: GA-ASI eyes Middle East for Gambit, Edge Group unveils new UAVs]()
November Drone Digest: GA-ASI eyes Middle East for Gambit, Edge Group unveils new UAVs
In November 2025, GA-ASI unveiled a new Gambit variant, the Gambit 6, and appears to be pitching the aircraft series to various customers in the Middle East, which is a fast-emerging CCA market. The Dubai Airshow also saw the unveiling of various Emirati aircraft from Edge Group.
-
![Baykar’s Kizilelma drone makes progress with first air-to-air kill]()
Baykar’s Kizilelma drone makes progress with first air-to-air kill
This test is the latest milestone achieved by the indigenous drone, destroying a target using a beyond-visual-range missile.
