Rafael’s 5th generation Litening-5, RecceLite systems to equip Leonardo‘s combat aircraft

Rafael advanced defence systems will supply 5th generation Litening-5 and RecceLite systems to equip Leonardo‘s M-346FA light combat aircraft. This is the first integration of 5th generation EO pods to Leonardo‘s M-346FA platform. The M-346FA is the multi-role combat variant of the most advanced jet trainer that has been designed for a wide range of training capabilities, long-term reliability and cost-effective operations. The FA variant is also able to operate very effectively as a multi-role tactical aircraft, capable of air-to-surface, airto-air and tactical reconnaissance missions.

Integrated with RAFAEL›s pods, the jet will now have combat-proven, stand-off capabilities using the Litening 5 multi-spectral airborne targeting pod. The Litening 5 pod is in use by 27 air forces and carried by over 25 platforms globally. Litening 5 delivers real-time, forward-looking infrared (FLIR+SWIR) and day HD color camera imagery. Its high-resolution sensors and effective EO/IR design ensure reliable operation at significant stand-off ranges. Litening 5 allows the operation of all types of air-to-surface smart weaponry, such as laser-guided, GPS-guided and EO/IR imaging-guided munition. Litening pods have logged over 2 million flight hours, with more than two-thirds in contingency operations worldwide.

With the RecceLite ISR system, the light-attack aircraft will be able to perform target search, using advanced AI, ATR (Automatic Target Recognition) at the interpretation ground station, and other algorithms for efficient detection, tracking, and sensor-to-shooter closure.