Germany Approves €358M Deal for Israeli Litening 5 Targeting Pods on Eurofighter Typhoons

Germany has approved the €358 million ($415 million) purchase of 90 Litening 5 targeting pods from Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems for its Eurofighter Typhoon fleet.

The Bundestag cleared the order in August to enhance the Bundeswehr’s precision strike and reconnaissance capabilities. The move comes as Chancellor Friedrich Merz suspends German arms sales to Israel that could be used in Gaza operations.

Germany is upgrading from Litening 3 to Litening 5, aligning with NATO efforts to strengthen targeting in contested airspace. The system combines infrared sensors, high-resolution color imaging, dual-wavelength laser designation, and optional synthetic aperture radar for all-weather use.

It supports both air-to-ground and air-to-air missions, including ground moving target indication, long-range identification, missile cueing, and counter-UAV operations. The modular pod has been integrated on more than 26 aircraft types, including the F-15, F-16, Gripen, Mirage 2000, A-10, and Eurofighter.

The deal highlights European divisions over defense ties with Israel. Dutch organizers recently barred Israeli firms from the Netherlands’ largest military exhibition, even as the country continues indirect supplies of F-35 parts to Israel through partner nations.