SAAF opts for Lightning targeting pod
Date: 20 April 2000
RAFAEL has signed a contract for supplying "LIGHTNING" optical attack systems for the new Gripen fighters purchased by the SAAF. British Aerospace has announced recently that it will purchase 12 LIGHTNING systems produced by RAFAEL in Israel and will adopt it to the Swedish fighters. The selection was made in full coordination with the SAAF. Sources in BAe say that the deal includes a limited number of systems for evaluation tests, but immediately after the tests a contract will be signed to equip all the aircraft with the Israeli system.
The LIGHTNING system allows the fighter pilot to identify targets in day and night and mark them in a laser beam. Eleven air forces had already chosen the sytem, including the IAF, Spanish, Greek and Venezuelan air forces, as well as the US ANG and USAF Reserve.
