New weapon for F-35 fighter - Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and L3Harris advance development of SiAW missile

Three US companies continue to work on a new missile for the fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighter. It is called the Stand-in Attack Weapon (SiAW).

Here's What We Know

Last year the US Air Force awarded contracts to Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and L3Harris to develop a stand-in attack weapon. The SiAW missile is primarily intended for fifth generation fighters F-35 Lightning II, but it is possible that the B-21 Raider nuclear-capable bomber will also be the carrier.

The new weapon is intended to defeat enemy air defence systems, ships, electronic warfare, artillery batteries as well as ballistic and cruise missile launchers. The first contracts, dated 2022, called for $2 million each from the companies, and the US Department of Defense had budgeted $78 million to buy 42 missiles. The project then moved to Stage 1.2 and the manufacturers received another $15 million.

Last month, the US Air Force signed additional contracts with Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and L3Harris worth $18 million over six months, and the SiAW programme has moved to Stage 1.3. The details of this stage, however, are still classified.

The new missile will be guided by a radio signal, like the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), which is being developed by Lockheed Martin for the US Army. The SiAW will not emit its own radar signal, making it more difficult to detect.

Lockheed Martin will carry out the contract work in Orlando, Florida, Northrop Grumman in Northridge, California, and L3Harris in Plano, Texas. All work is due to be completed by 23 August 2023.

Source: Military Aerospace Electronics