diff --git a/defaults/main.yml b/defaults/main.yml
index a79b807d..7c414f39 100644
--- a/defaults/main.yml
+++ b/defaults/main.yml
@@ -73,6 +73,7 @@ swift_middleware_list:
   - ratelimit
   - authtoken
   - keystoneauth
+  - staticweb
   - container-quotas
   - account-quotas
   - slo
diff --git a/releasenotes/notes/swift-staticweb-support-b280fbebf271820b.yaml b/releasenotes/notes/swift-staticweb-support-b280fbebf271820b.yaml
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..5eb0ffdb
--- /dev/null
+++ b/releasenotes/notes/swift-staticweb-support-b280fbebf271820b.yaml
@@ -0,0 +1,9 @@
+---
+features:
+  - The ``os_swift`` role will now include the swift "staticweb" middleware
+    by default.
+upgrade:
+  - When upgrading a Swift deployment from Mitaka to Newton it should be noted
+    that the enabled middleware list has changed. In Newton the "staticweb"
+    middleware will be loaded by default. While the change adds a feature it is
+    non-disruptive in upgrades.