Germany Approves Procurement of 90 Litening 5 Targeting Pods for Eurofighter Fleet

Berlin, August 2025 – The German Parliament has approved the purchase of 90 Litening 5 advanced targeting pods for the Eurofighter Typhoon fleet, a move that will significantly enhance the Bundeswehr’s precision strike and reconnaissance capabilities. The decision also underscores Germany’s ongoing defence cooperation with Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, the developer of the Litening family.

Upgrading to Fifth-Generation Targeting Pods

Germany’s Eurofighter Typhoons have until now been equipped with the older Litening 3 pods. The switch to the fifth-generation Litening 5 will provide a major leap in performance, including:

• High-resolution electro-optical and infrared sensors (mid-wave and short-wave IR).

• Colour imaging for enhanced target identification.

• Dual-wavelength laser designation for greater accuracy in precision strikes.

• Optional synthetic aperture radar (SAR), offering all-weather, long-range imaging and mapping.

These features allow German pilots to detect, identify, and engage ground or maritime targets with greater precision and survivability, even in contested airspace environments.

Operational Record and Global Adoption

The Litening 5 is one of the most widely used targeting pods in the world. It is already in service with 28 air forces and has been installed on platforms ranging from the F-16 Fighting Falcon and F-35 Lightning II, to the Rafale and Gripen. Over 2,000 units have been delivered globally, with the system accumulating more than 2.2 million operational flight hours.

Its extensive operational use makes it a battle-proven and reliable option for Germany as it modernises its strike and reconnaissance fleet.

Strengthening NATO and European Defence

The acquisition comes at a time when NATO members are prioritising advanced sensor integration, interoperability, and adaptability. By upgrading to the Litening 5, Germany ensures that its Eurofighter Typhoons can seamlessly integrate into joint operations, supporting both air-to-ground and intelligence missions.

Defence analysts note that this procurement not only increases Germany’s own capabilities but also enhances the collective readiness of European forces in high-threat environments, particularly in Eastern Europe and the Baltic region.

Rafael’s Longstanding Partnership with Germany

Israel’s Rafael welcomed the decision, highlighting decades of defence cooperation with Germany. The company noted that the purchase of the latest-generation pods reflects the Bundeswehr’s confidence in the system’s operational record and Rafael’s role as a trusted partner.

The move is also consistent with Germany’s strategy of blending indigenous European defence systems with proven international technologies to maintain a technological edge while ensuring interoperability with allies.

Future-Proofing German Air Power

The integration of the Litening 5 pods will significantly increase the Eurofighter’s value in multi-role missions, especially as Germany looks to adapt to rapidly evolving aerial warfare challenges. With the ability to provide high-resolution intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR), as well as precision-guided strike capabilities, the Litening 5 equips the Typhoon to remain a frontline asset well into the 2030s.

The procurement of 90 Litening 5 pods represents both a technological upgrade and a strategic reinforcement of Germany’s Eurofighter Typhoon fleet. By enhancing precision strike capabilities, survivability in contested environments, and all-weather operational flexibility, the Bundeswehr ensures its fighter aircraft remain at the cutting edge of modern air combat.

This step strengthens Germany’s role within NATO’s collective defence framework while reinforcing its longstanding defence partnership with Israel’s Rafael.