Israeli defense company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems has secured a €358 million contract to supply 90 Litening 5 targeting pods to the German Air Force for use in Typhoon aircraft. The deal was approved by the German parliament's budget committee and highlights ongoing cooperation between Germany and the Israeli defense sector, which also includes drone leasing and deployment of advanced defense systems.

The Litening 5 is a fifth-generation targeting system designed for air-to-ground surveillance and weapon guidance, and is already in service with 28 air forces worldwide. German officials cited the system's advanced capabilities, such as target locking during rapid altitude changes and identification in poor visibility, as key reasons for the procurement. The new pods are expected to significantly enhance the combat effectiveness of German aircraft, with improved sensors offering greater range and accuracy.