Pentagon's siAW missile tests reveal earlier start amidst secrecy
The United States Department of Defence has released a photo indicating that the Pentagon began testing SiAW missiles earlier than previously acknowledged. Although earlier reports suggested missile deliveries commenced on 18 November, tests were conducted two weeks prior. What is the SiAW missile, and what is its purpose?
SiAW is being tested on F-16 aircraft affiliated with the USAF's 40th Test Squadron and will eventually also be integrated with F-35 aircraft. Its purpose is to enable these aircraft to breach enemy air defences, reducing them to the so-called "wild weasels".
In past decades, these were specialised aircraft that, thanks to electronic warfare systems and anti-radar missiles such as the AGM-88 HARM, were capable of surviving in extremely hostile environments, destroying the opponent's air defences and clearing the path for strike aircraft.
The extensive use of electronic warfare systems means that regular aircraft, instead of specialised "wild weasels," can now conduct the destruction of Russian "anti-access bubbles," provided they are equipped with appropriate weaponry.
Stand-in Attack Weapon
This weapon is the 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 110 to 250 kilometres.
This impressive result was achieved due to a new propulsion system—a ramjet engine with a subsonic combustion chamber was utilised in the missile.
The role of SiAW missiles will not only be to counter enemy air defences (SEAD missions - Suppression of Enemy Air Defences) but also electronic warfare systems and ballistic missile launchers. The missile is designed to maintain high effectiveness even in conditions 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.
