The U.S. Air Force has received its first Stand-in Attack Weapon missile, which could become a decisive factor in the fight against Russia.
According to The Telegraph, the missile was developed by Northrop Grumman for a crucial mission: to suppress enemy air defense and pave the way for subsequent airstrikes. With its innovative technology, the SiAW can target rapidly moving objectives, such as vehicles and command posts, which may be more challenging to detect and destroy with conventional missiles. The missile is compatible with the F-35 fighter jet, allowing it to carry two missiles simultaneously while maintaining strike power.
"The combination of the F-35 and SiAW could be devastating in an air campaign over Europe, where the distances between friendly and hostile forces are significantly less daunting. F-35s flying against Russian troops can disrupt their air defenses, clearing the skies for Western aircraft," the article states.
The SiAW is equipped with technology that enables it to target the enemy's radar systems. However, in the event of a conflict in Asia, particularly in a war with China, F-35s may find it difficult to approach close enough to launch this missile due to the extensive range of Chinese forces. Nevertheless, in the European context, the SiAW represents a significant advantage.
In mid-November, the U.S. Air Force received its first SiAW missile, just one year after the contract was signed. Developers at Northrop Grumman are already working on integrating the missile into aviation platforms, completing tests that will allow it to be operational by 2026.
Source: telegraph.
Politeka also reported on this matter.