Rafael Unveils LITENING 5 Pod for Precise Drone Interception at Farnborough 2026

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems is showcasing its LITENING 5 targeting pod at the Farnborough Airshow 2026 in London. The multi-mission pod offers proven operational capabilities for precision strikes, aerial intelligence, detection, tracking, and final weapon guidance. Rafael highlights the system’s relevance amid the growing use of drones in global conflict zones and the increasing need for fast, accurate responses to small, fast, and low-signature threats.

The LITENING pod is the most widely used targeting system worldwide, installed on over 25 aircraft types and operated by 28 air forces. It has demonstrated effectiveness across all mission phases, from target detection and identification to precise weapon guidance, even in complex operational environments. Specifically against drone threats, the LITENING 5 supports automatic detection, tracking, identification, laser designation, and final weapon guidance, significantly reducing the time from initial detection to interception.

Equipped with an electro-optical tracker, the pod enhances the ability to detect and follow low-signature threats. Once a target is locked, its laser designation enables the use of various intercept weapons, including radar-guided missiles, heat-seeking missiles, and laser-guided rockets. The system also supports real-time data sharing and connectivity, allowing flexible and precise responses to a broad range of aerial threats.

About a year ago, the German military selected the LITENING 5 pod, approving the purchase of 90 units for its Eurofighter Typhoon jets, underscoring the system’s trust and status among leading European and NATO air forces. Rafael emphasizes that the pod’s global deployment is based on extensive operational experience and field feedback, with each generation enhancing capabilities while maintaining high reliability and integration with existing combat systems.

Yoav Turgeman, Rafael’s CEO, stated, "Recent wars have proven that speed of detection and accuracy of strike against drones are the difference between neutralizing a threat and ongoing risk. The LITENING 5 pod combines advanced sensors, algorithms, and precise guidance, 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."