On Thursday, 11 December 2025, the American company Northrop Grumman announced on social media that, together with the U.S. Air Force (USAF), it has begun the flight-test phase of the new Litening LA (Large Aperture) electro-optical targeting pod with the Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon multirole aircraft.
Image and photo: Northrop Grumman
No further details on the tests or photographs from the trials have been released (only a graphic was provided – see above).
It should be recalled that on 13 February 2024, Northrop Grumman announced that it had received a contract from the USAF for the delivery of new Litening LA targeting pods, which incorporate significant improvements in electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) detection and image processing. These pods are intended to replace the currently used AN/AAQ-28(V) Litening family.
According to the information disclosed at the time, the Litening LA is equipped with high-resolution digital day and infrared sensors operating across multiple wavelengths, increasing image resolution and enabling imaging at greater stand-off distances.
In addition, it features faster video processing, improved image stabilization, enhanced command-and-control (C2) capabilities, and continuous scrolling that provides uninterrupted imagery during maneuvering. Improved air-to-air and air-to-ground targeting modes further enhance accuracy and tracking in challenging conditions.
The Litening LA is an electro-optical/infrared targeting and surveillance pod that enables aircraft crews to detect, designate, identify, and track targets at long ranges. It supports a wide range of missions, including precision targeting, close air support, reconnaissance, surveillance and intelligence, as well as humanitarian assistance support.
The pod is equipped with high-resolution digital color video and infrared sensors, a data link, and advanced algorithms for detecting, identifying, and engaging targets at extended distances. A more powerful mission processor accelerates imaging functions and enables future capabilities, including artificial intelligence and machine learning.
The Litening LA integrates these enhanced capabilities within the same form factor as earlier pod versions, meaning that aircraft already integrated with the AN/AAQ-28(V) Litening do not require modification. Earlier versions of the pod can be upgraded to the LA configuration.
The Air Force plans to integrate Litening LA pods across its combat aircraft fleet, as it has done since the initial selection of Litening in 1999, originally developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. The USAF has integrated the pods on A-10C Thunderbolt II close air support aircraft, Boeing B-52H Stratofortress strategic bombers, Boeing F-15E Strike Eagle air superiority/strike aircraft, and Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon multirole fighters.
Our LITENING Large Aperture EO/IR targeting pod has begun test flights to modernize the @USAirForce F-16 aircraft for the future fight.
Here's how we're taking air power to the next level ➡️ https://t.co/HkS1Z0eTHd pic.twitter.com/N6D6vxgJxt
— Northrop Grumman (@northropgrumman) December 11, 2025
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