A recent industry survey issued by the U.S. Air Force aims to „benchmark” the development progress of the Stand-in Attack Weapon (SiAW), a critical radar-killing missile being built by Northrop Grumman. While service officials state they are „at this time” not considering canceling the project or replacing Northrop as its prime contractor, the Request for Information (RFI) sent to competing firms suggests a thorough re-evaluation of available options.
Strategic Review of Capabilities
The RFI, posted on March 4, sought input from vendors regarding their potential to supply a munition with „similar or improved capabilities compared to” the SiAW. This air-to-ground missile is designed to strike mobile targets and a wide array of threats, including radars, missile launchers, GPS jammers, and other features of integrated air defense systems.
Northrop Grumman was selected in 2023 to build the SiAW. While the Air Force spokesperson did not directly comment on any programmatic woes, they clarified that the recent RFI could help assess whether Northrop’s effort is on track. “The RFI is the mechanism to gather the most up-to-date information directly from industry about options to build-up munitions capacity and potentially deliver the capability on faster timelines,” the spokesperson explained. “Given the very high importance of the requirement, the USAF wants the most up-to-date information from industry to benchmark the progress of Northrop Grumman’s SiAW program.”
Northrop Grumman: Firm Commitment Amid Timeline Uncertainties
Northrop Grumman responded with a statement asserting that the SiAW “is a critical strike capability for our warfighters, and Northrop Grumman is committed to the program’s success.”
The company had initially planned to deliver SiAW this year, but it remains unclear if that timeline is still intact. The Air Force spokesperson did not directly comment on when initial operational capability is expected but disclosed that production of the weapon has not yet begun. “The USAF will consider a decision on production when development is complete,” the spokesperson added.
Market Alternatives and Financial Stakes
While the Air Force does not „currently” plan to „field more than one missile with SiAW’s capabilities,” responses to the March 4 survey „may change that position if industry has solid options for delivering munitions faster and cheaper.”
L3Harris and Lockheed Martin participated in earlier stages of the SiAW program, but both companies previously indicated they opted against further bids. L3Harris, for its part, attributed its reluctance to a fixed-price contract. Northrop was the last program participant standing, ultimately securing a $705 million deal.
The March 4 RFI set a deadline of March 19 for replies. Lockheed Martin stated that it “values its partnership with the U.S. Air Force and welcomes opportunities to apply our strike missile expertise to enhance warfighter capabilities.” L3Harris highlighted that its “investments in innovative technology, new facilities, modernized manufacturing processes and supply chain resilience are enabling us to deliver these solutions more quickly and affordably.”
The SiAW is expected to be carried by fighters like the F-35 but could also be integrated with other platforms, such as the in-development B-21 Raider stealth bomber. As a stopgap until the SiAW — or an equivalent capability — comes online, the Air Force is acquiring the Navy’s AARGM-ER, also manufactured by Northrop Grumman.
