Stand In Attack Weapon

The Stand In Attack Weapon (SiAW) program is a key Air Force initiative under Program Element PE 0207328F, focused on developing a new missile system capable of striking rapidly re-locatable targets that contribute to Anti-Access/Area Denial (A2/AD) environments. The primary objective is to enable 5th Generation and future advanced aircraft to neutralize threats such as theater ballistic missile launchers, land attack and anti-ship cruise missile launchers, jammers, anti-satellite systems, and integrated air defense systems. The SiAW system is being developed using a Digital Acquisition (DA) approach, emphasizing agility, innovation, and modularity throughout the weapon's lifecycle.

A significant goal of the program is the integration of the Navy's Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile-Extended Range (AARGM-ER) as an interim combat capability on the F-35 aircraft. This integration includes software development, mission planning, engineering support, and airworthiness certification for missile carriage and employment. The program leverages the Universal Armament Interface (UAI) and mission planning capabilities to ensure seamless integration and operational effectiveness. The Air Force collaborates closely with the Navy's AARGM-ER Program Office to expedite fielding and maximize interoperability across services.

The SiAW Development line item encompasses the design, development, testing, and integration of discrete SiAW technologies as well as the full missile system. Key objectives include risk reduction, system security, anti-tamper capabilities, and the establishment of Integrated Digital Environments (IDE) for digital engineering and configuration management. The program utilizes Model-Based System Engineering (MBSE) and Weapon Open System Architecture (WOSA) to facilitate modularity and adaptability, allowing incremental upgrades and subsystem replacements throughout the weapon's lifecycle.

This approach supports rapid evolution from initial to comprehensive capability. The Target/Test Assets, Testing, & Support budget line provides essential resources for developmental and operational testing of both AARGM-ER and SiAW on the F-35. This includes procurement of test equipment, construction of targets, range support for sea and land testing, and acquisition of threat emitter assets. The program also invests in cybersecurity support, flight telemetry, and termination system development and certification. These activities are critical for validating system performance, ensuring safety, and meeting mission requirements.

Civilian pay expenses and program support costs are included to expand program office staff, facilities, and security infrastructure, supporting the required classification levels and management activities. These funds supplement other Air Force program elements and are necessary to execute, manage, and deliver the SiAW capability. The program also funds advisory and assistance services to promote efficiency and align with government-wide cost-saving initiatives, as directed by Executive Order 14222.

The Acquisition Strategy for SiAW involves a multi-phase approach, beginning with Middle Tier of Acquisition (MTA) authority to rapidly integrate advanced technologies and weapon designs into a MBSE environment. Competitive selection and initial capability demonstration on surrogate aircraft are planned within five years. The strategy emphasizes digital acquisition, agile software development, and collaboration with industry and DoD stakeholders to refine threat analysis, inventory requirements, and upgrade planning.