Pentagon accelerates SiAW missile tests for advanced warfare
The United States Department of Defense has released a photo showing that the Pentagon began testing SiAW missiles earlier than previously reported. Although earlier communications indicated that missile deliveries began on November 18, tests were conducted two weeks earlier. What is the SiAW missile, and what is its purpose?
SiAW is being tested on F-16 aircraft belonging to the USAF's 40th Test Squadron and will eventually also be integrated with F-35 aircraft. Its task will be to enable these aircraft to penetrate enemy air defenses, reducing them to the role of so-called "wild weasels."
In previous decades, these were specialized aircraft that, thanks to electronic warfare systems and anti-radar missiles such as the AGM-88 HARM, were able to survive in extremely hostile environments, destroying the opponent's air defenses and paving the way for strike aircraft.
The extensive use of electronic warfare systems means that instead of specialized "wild weasels," regular aircraft can conduct the destruction of Russian "anti-access bubbles," provided they are equipped with appropriate weapons.
Stand-in attack weapon
This weapon is SiAW (Stand-in Attack Weapon). SiAW is another developmental variant of the anti-radar missile HARM, based on its variant AGM‑88G AARGM-ER with extended range. In the case of SiAW, the range has been increased even further—from about 109 to 250 kilometres.
This impressive result was achieved thanks to a new propulsion system—a ramjet engine with a subsonic combustion chamber was used in the missile.
The role of SiAW missiles is not only to counter enemy air defenses (SEAD missions - Suppression of Enemy Air Defences) but also electronic warfare systems and ballistic missile launchers. The missile is designed to remain highly effective even in situations where the opponent uses various types of interference, including GPS navigation and satellite communication jamming.
The work schedule anticipates that the first SiAW missiles may be combat-ready as early as 2026.
