ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill. - The U.S. Air Force has awarded Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. a potential $1.84 billion indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ), firm-fixed-price contract for continued sustainment, production, and modifications of the Laser Infrared Targeting and Navigation Comprehensive Advanced Targeting Pod (LITENING CATP).
Fiscal 2026 operations and maintenance funds totaling $42.9 million are being obligated at the time of award, according to the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD).
On target
LITENING is an airborne electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) targeting pod designed to provide aircraft crews with precision targeting, reconnaissance, and surveillance capabilities. The system combines infrared and visible-spectrum imaging sensors with laser designation and laser rangefinding capabilities to support target detection, identification, tracking, and precision-guided weapon employment.
LITENING’s modular architecture enables incremental improvements over time, allowing the system to evolve alongside changing mission requirements. The pod’s combination of electro-optical and infrared sensors, laser designation, rangefinding, and onboard processing capabilities provides aircraft crews with enhanced situational awareness and targeting information.
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The targeting pod has been integrated on multiple military aircraft platforms, including variants of the A-10, B-52, F-15, and F-16, as well as aircraft operated by international partners.
The contract includes sustainment, production, and modifications, enabling the Air Force to continue supporting deployed LITENING systems while addressing lifecycle requirements and incorporating future improvements.
The award highlights the importance of lifecycle management for airborne sensor systems as the Air Force seeks to extend the operational relevance of existing aircraft fleets. Rather than replacing complete platforms, military services increasingly rely on modular mission-system upgrades to improve capability, address obsolescence, and maintain operational availability.
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Programs such as LITENING illustrate the challenge of maintaining advanced sensor systems throughout decades of operational service while adapting hardware and software capabilities to evolving mission requirements.
The contract will support the Air Force’s continued operation of LITENING CATP systems through 31 Dec. 2035. The award was issued through the Precision Attack Contracting Branch at Robins Air Force Base, Ga., and was a sole-source acquisition. Work under the contract will be performed at Northrop Grumman facilities in Rolling Meadows, Ill.
