![](https://www.aviationtoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/northrop-grumman-litening-targeting-pod.jpg)
An A-10 Warthog carrying the Litening advanced targeting pod. (Northrop Grumman photo)
The U.S. Air Force awarded Northrop Grumman a $1.3 billion indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract for production, sustainment and upgrades to its Litening advanced targeting pod.
Used by a variety of U.S. Air Force and Marine Corps aircraft, the Litening targeting pod comprises forward-facing infrared sensors, high-definition video and a number of other sensory and data link options to identify and track targets at long range.
“Since the first generation of the Northrop Grumman Litening pod, we have been providing this mission critical capability with our top priority of ensuring that Litening is ready for any mission, any time,” said Brent Toland, vice president for land and avionics C4ISR at Northrop Grumman.
According to Northrop Grumman, more than 800 pods have been delivered to U.S. and international customers.
Work under the contract will take place in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, through the end of 2023.