Rafael Unveils LITENING 5 Pod to Counter Global Drone Threats at Farnborough 2026

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems is set to showcase its LITENING 5 targeting pod at the Farnborough Airshow 2026 in London, presenting it as a proven operational solution against the rising threat of drones in combat zones worldwide. The multi-mission pod, already selected by the German Air Force for its Eurofighter jets, supports rapid detection, tracking, identification, laser designation, and precise weapon guidance to enable effective interception of small, fast, and low-signature aerial threats.

Currently the most widely used targeting pod globally, LITENING is installed on over 25 aircraft types and operated by 28 air forces. The LITENING 5 variant enhances automatic detection and tracking capabilities, significantly reducing the time between initial threat identification and interception. It has supported hundreds of drone interceptions in active combat theaters, allowing fighter jets to engage aerial threats with flexibility and accuracy.

The pod’s electro-optical tracker improves detection of low-signature threats, while its laser designation enables the use of various interceptors, including radar-guided missiles, heat-seeking missiles, and laser-guided rockets. Approximately a year ago, the German Bundestag approved the purchase of 90 LITENING 5 pods for its Eurofighter fleet, underscoring the system’s operational reliability and extensive field feedback.

Yoav Turgeman, CEO of Rafael, emphasized the critical importance of speed and precision in counter-drone warfare, stating, "The LITENING 5 pod integrates advanced sensors, algorithms, and precise guidance capabilities, enabling fighter jets to effectively counter small, fast, and complex threats. This proven operational capability is already in use by leading air forces worldwide, and Rafael is proud to present it at the exhibition."