Details of the U.S. F-35 Fighter Jet Upgrade: Cutting-Edge Technologies

In its latest military developments, the United States Air Force announced the successful flight test of an advanced air-to-ground missile known as SiAW.

According to Rokna, although the recent SiAW test was conducted using an F-16 fighter jet, the U.S. military’s primary plan is to install and integrate this missile on fifth-generation stealth fighters, particularly the F-35.

This missile enables F-35 pilots to penetrate so-called “anti-access/area denial” (A2/AD) networks and strike mobile targets. Among the targets for which the SiAW has been designed are the following:

• Mobile missile launchers
• Command and control nodes
• Electronic warfare and jamming systems
• Air defense radars

Uncertainty Over Hypersonic Capability; Focus on Rapid and Precise Strikes

Some specialized reports have classified the SiAW missile as a hypersonic system. However, its manufacturer, Northrop Grumman, has not yet confirmed the missile’s exact speed.

What is certain is the designers’ emphasis on the missile’s ability to engage time-sensitive threats under the most challenging combat conditions. In addition, the SiAW has been developed using a digital open-systems architecture, allowing the U.S. Air Force to rapidly and easily update the missile’s software and subsystems in the future, ensuring sustained effectiveness against evolving threats.

The successful completion of the missile separation test phase represents a significant step toward making the SiAW operational. The U.S. Air Force has set a target to achieve Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for this new capability by early 2026. This program includes conducting three additional guided flight tests and delivering initial missile samples to the military for further evaluation, demonstrating Washington’s determination to significantly enhance its offensive capabilities in future combat environments.