Stand-In Attack Weapon (SIAW)

The Stand-In Attack Weapon (SIAW) program is a key Air Force initiative under the Missile Procurement appropriation, designed to equip 5th Generation and future advanced aircraft with the capability to strike rapidly re-locatable targets that contribute to Anti-Access/Area Denial (A2/AD) environments. The program's primary objective is to enable aircraft such as the F-35 to neutralize threats including theater ballistic missile launchers, land attack and anti-ship cruise missile launchers, jammers, anti-satellite systems, and integrated air defense systems. The SIAW program is classified as Not Service Ready (Code B) and is managed under Program Element 0207328F, with related efforts coordinated across the Department of Defense and the Department of the Air Force.

The SIAW program leverages the Navy's Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided Missile-Extended Range (AARGM-ER) as an interim solution, focusing on procurement of All-Up-Round (AUR) missiles with enhanced warhead/fuze capabilities and integration with the F-35 platform. The integration includes the Universal Armament Interface (UAI) and advanced mission planning, ensuring compatibility and operational flexibility. The budget requests funding to procure additional AARGM-ER AUR missiles and associated support costs, reflecting a strategic increase in procurement to meet evolving operational requirements and inventory needs.

One of the program's specific goals is to implement a Digital Acquisition (DA) approach, emphasizing agility, open architecture, and modularity throughout the weapon system's lifecycle. This approach aims to foster innovation within the industrial base, reduce redundant costs by leveraging common component development with other weapon systems, and ensure adaptability for future upgrades.

The DA methodology also supports rapid threat analysis, inventory refinement, and upgrade planning in collaboration with DoD, DAF, and industry stakeholders. To support these objectives, the SIAW program invests in analytical tools, data management, digital environments, networks, facilities, and security infrastructure upgrades. These investments are designed to facilitate the development of SIAW capabilities while leveraging enterprise IT solutions across the DoD and DAF.

The program office is expanding staff, facilities, and security measures to accommodate the required classification levels and ensure secure handling of sensitive program activities. Another important aspect of the SIAW program is its focus on addressing Diminishing Manufacturing Sources (DMS) issues, which can impact the availability and sustainability of critical components. Funding is allocated to mitigate obsolescence risks and ensure long-term viability of the weapon system.

The program also incorporates successful laboratory research and development efforts, applying relevant innovations to enhance SIAW capabilities and maintain technological superiority. Procurement planning and production schedules for SIAW are closely coordinated with the Navy, particularly through the AARGM-ER program managed by Northrop Grumman in Northridge, CA. The procurement lead time is structured to support timely delivery and integration of missiles, with production rates and sustainment strategies aligned to meet combined Navy and Air Force requirements. The program also supports compliance with financial audit requirements under Title 10 U.S.C. Chapter 9A, Sec 240-D, ensuring transparency and accountability in budget execution.