US Air Force signs $1.84 billion contract with Northrop Grumman for Rafael Litening targeting pods

The US Defense Department has awarded Northrop Grumman a $1.84 billion contract to supply Rafael Litening targeting pods to the US Air Force, along with upgrades and maintenance for existing systems. This framework contract extends until 2035, with individual orders placed by the Air Force. Litening pods, developed by Israel's Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and manufactured in the US by Northrop Grumman, enable aircraft to locate ground targets day or night and in all weather, and are increasingly used for identifying drones. Rafael developed Litening 40 years ago after the US declined to sell Israel its LANTIRN system. The Pentagon has purchased 900 Litening pods since 1996, finding them "cheaper and more effective than LANTIRN." While F-35 aircraft have integrated guidance, the US military will continue using Litening on other aircraft. Northrop Grumman reported the system has an "operational availability rate of 95%." The contract's initial expenditure is $43 million.