Israeli defense firm Rafael announced on August 26, 2025, that the German government has approved the procurement of 90 Litening 5 advanced targeting pods to upgrade its Luftwaffe Eurofighter Typhoon fleet. The deal, worth €350 million, marks a significant step in Germany’s airpower modernization efforts and directly enhances NATO’s precision strike and reconnaissance capabilities in Europe.
Cleared by the Bundestag Budget Committee in June, the contract was signed in August between Germany’s BAAINBw procurement agency and Rafael through a direct agreement. The no-bid decision was justified by the pod’s proven record, already in service with over 28 air forces worldwide.
The Litening 5 integrates electro-optical and infrared sensors, dual laser designators, optional SAR radar, and automatic target recognition, allowing pilots to detect, identify, and track targets with exceptional accuracy. It supports a wide range of precision-guided munitions, including GBU-54 Laser JDAMs, Paveway IV bombs, and Taurus KEPD 350 cruise missiles, while providing real-time HD video in all weather conditions.
Germany operates around 138 Eurofighter Typhoons, highly capable multirole fighters, yet their strike effectiveness has been limited compared to other NATO fleets due to the absence of advanced targeting pods. With Litening 5, the Luftwaffe gains enhanced precision strike autonomy, improved close air support capacity, and better air-to-air target acquisition, particularly against drones and low-signature threats.
The acquisition is part of Germany’s broader €100 billion defense investment fund launched in 2022, which also covers CH-47F Chinook helicopters, Israel’s Arrow 3 missile defense system, and modernization of Puma IFVs. Within the air domain, the Eurofighter upgrade program also includes CAPTOR-E AESA radar integration and new electronic warfare suites. Together, these initiatives aim to keep Germany on par with NATO’s leading air forces while strengthening European defense autonomy.
