The agreement allows the government to place orders through the end of 2035. An initial execution phase worth $43 million began when the contract was signed.
The contract covers production and delivery of new LITENING pods. It also includes operational support and modifications for previously delivered systems.
Details of the first phase remain classified. Work will take place at Northrop Grumman’s facility in Rolling Meadows, Illinois.
Northrop Grumman has supplied more than 900 pods to U.S. forces and international customers. The company said the systems have achieved operational availability of up to 95%.
The LITENING fleet has recorded more than 3 million flight hours. Many of those hours were accumulated during combat operations worldwide.
The pod has been integrated with the AV-8B Harrier II, A-10 Thunderbolt II and B-52 Stratofortress. It also operates on the C-130 Hercules, F-15E Strike Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon.
Other supported platforms include the F/A-18 Hornet and MQ-9 Reaper. The broad aircraft base covers both crewed and uncrewed operations.
LITENING is an electro-optical and infrared targeting pod. It detects, acquires, identifies and tracks targets at extended ranges.
The system supports precision targeting, air superiority and close air support. It can also conduct surveillance and humanitarian assistance missions.
Its modular architecture allows capabilities to be upgraded over time. This enables operators to adapt the pod to changing mission requirements.
