Litening strikes again for Rafael
Israeli company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems announced on 21 May a new order for its fifth-generation Litening multispectral airborne targeting pods and RecceLite airborne EO systems.
Litening and RecceLite will be installed on attack aircraft operated by an unnamed air force.
Litening equips a total of 25 aircraft types in service with 27 air forces worldwide, delivering real-time FLIR, short-wave IR and day HD colour camera imagery. The pod allows the operation of ‘all types of air-to-surface smart weaponry’, according to Rafael, such as laser-guided, GPS-guided and EO/IR imaging-guided munition.
The RecceLite ISR system has been delivered to 13 customers worldwide on multiple aircraft types.
More from Air Warfare
-
The new generation of defence companies emerging from the US UAV boom
As the Pentagon accelerates procurement of low-cost, lethal UAVs through its Drone Dominance Program, emerging suppliers will need to demonstrate manufacturing capacity, supply chain resilience and reliability.
-
US Coast Guard faces key procurement decisions after C-130J and MQ-9B orders
The service is updating several parts of its aviation fleet including fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft and procuring uncrewed aircraft to boost its maritime surveillance.
-
AUSA 2026: New multiwarhead loitering munition enters increasingly competitive market
Heaviside Industries has unveiled its new Tyr loitering munition at AUSA 2026 in Washington, DC, joining a growing field of manufacturers seeking to capitalise on billions of dollars in anticipated military spending.
-
Middle Eastern demand opens fresh export prospects for Lockheed Martin’s F-35 fighter jet
A proposed Saudi Arabian purchase of 48 stealth fighters could signal a broader regional opportunity for the F-35 as European programmes mature.
-
US military plans multi-UAV trials with Northrop Grumman quantum-navigated Lumberjack
An undisclosed US military branch is preparing to evaluate multiple Lumberjack Group 3 drones equipped with SandboxAQ’s AQNav magnetic-navigation system. Shephard spoke with Northrop Grumman and SandboxAQ to find out more.