Sweden buys $37 million worth of Litening 5 targeting pods for its Gripen fleet

Europe, News April 6, 2024 , by IRIA No Comments

Swedish arms manufacturer Saab has received a $37 million order from the Swedish Defense Materiel Administration for additional Litening 5 Target Designator Pods.

The pods would serve as the planes’ main targeting and tracking system and would be implemented into Sweden’s Gripen multi-role fighter aircraft.

The Litening 5 system is instrumental in precisely designating targets via laser targeting and target tracking capabilities. Until now, the Swedish Air Force has been using the Laser Designation Pod (LDP) for the Gripen E fighter jet, and it has now been successfully integrated into the Gripen C/D aircraft as well.

This latest order would allow an upgradation of the system as it encompasses not only additional pods but also includes maintenance services and spare parts, ensuring the continued operational readiness and effectiveness of the Gripen fleet.

Head of the Business Division at Saab Aeronautics’ Lars Tossman, emphasized that the agreement guarantees Sweden’s capacity to sustain the pods in operational condition.

“Through establishing a maintenance capability for this specific type of target designation pod, Saab is ensuring that the Swedish Armed Forces can conduct maintenance activities domestically,” he commented. The delivery of the pods, along with the associated maintenance support, is scheduled for 2026.

Litening 5

Introduced in 2019, the Litening 5 has significantly enhanced the precision targeting technology with a higher-resolution infrared camera, and a synthetic aperture radar with a 100-kilometer range, the targeting pods have redefined the capabilities of modern combat aircraft.

One of the standout features of the Litening 5 is its versatility and compatibility with a wide range of aircraft platforms. Its modular design allows for seamless integration onto various fighter jets, including but not limited to the Gripen E and Gripen C/D, thereby providing flexibility for different operational requirements and mission profiles.

Gripen jets — *^{Gripen fighters equipped with Litening 4i LDP (Laser Designator Pod) during the Ample Strike 2021 exercise hosted by the Czech Republic. (Image Credit: Saab)}*

Moreover, the Litening 5 is designed with robust maintenance capabilities to ensure sustained operational readiness.

Saab’s commitment to building a comprehensive maintenance infrastructure for this targeting pod underscores its dedication to supporting the long-term operational needs of its customers. By establishing maintenance capabilities within Sweden’s borders, Saab is further enhancing the autonomy and self-sufficiency of the Swedish Armed Forces.

Furthermore, Saab’s track record of delivering reliable and cutting-edge aerospace solutions instills confidence in the performance and reliability of the Litening 5 system. With its proven effectiveness in precision targeting and target tracking, the Litening 5 plays a pivotal role in enhancing the combat capabilities of military forces, enabling them to maintain a decisive edge in today’s dynamic and evolving threat landscape.