Aviation News – Northrop Grumman and the U.S. Air Force have successfully completed a separation test of the Stand-In Attack Weapon (SiAW) from an F-16, marking a major milestone in the missile’s path toward integration with next-generation combat aircraft.
The test, conducted as part of an ongoing development program, evaluated the missile’s flight-safety characteristics and aerodynamic performance during release. The SiAW is being designed for compatibility with fifth-generation fighters such as the F-35, and the safe separation from the F-16 underscores its increasing design maturity.
The weapon is intended to give U.S. forces a stand-in capability against high-value, time-sensitive targets in contested environments. Its advanced guidance, compact airframe and integration potential allow it to be deployed from aircraft that penetrate defended airspace, providing operational flexibility and expanded strike options.
