Northrop Grumman will upgrade the Air Force’s early Litening Block 1 targeting pods to the more advanced G4 configuration under a new tasking, announced the company. The G4 will become the service’s new fleet-wide standard, states the company’s Nov. 18 release. Northrop Grumman will also provide spares and upgrade the Marine Corps’ Litening pods as well under this $116 million contract award. “These upgrades will significantly improve the range, resolution, and identification capabilities of the pods currently flown” on Air Force and Marine Corps aircraft, said Jim Mocarski, the company’s sensors vice president. The upgrade package includes an improved data link, and enhanced infrared laser imagery and sensor acuity. This work is part of an ongoing indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract, according to the company. The Air Force received its first Litening G4 pod in 2011, and has already ordered the company’s next iteration Litening SE pod. Northrop Grumman has delivered a total of 700 Litening pods to the Air Force, Marine Corps, and international partners, according to the release.
US Space Command Should Always Be Led by a Guardian
Sept. 12, 2026
General Stephen Whiting took command of U.S. Space Command in January 2024, and if customary three-year tenures hold, his tour would end in January 2027. The question now before the President and Senate is who should follow him? Whoever they choose, it has to be a Guardian—and so should every successor…
