Israeli technology used in Libya strikes

JERUSALEM, May 2 (UPI) -- Technology developed by an Israeli company is being used by the Western military alliance to launch accurate missile strikes in Libya, officials said.

The Litening targeting pod developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems is fitted to the fuselage of aircraft and provides air crews with precision strike capabilities, The Jerusalem Post reported Monday.

British and Swedish air forces have equipped the pod on their Typhoon and Grippen fighter jets, the newspaper said.

The pod is used by more than 20 countries, the Post said.

It is equipped with a laser designator that ensures the precise delivery of laser guided-bombs and integrates a high-resolution infrared sensor that displays images of the target to the pilot and navigator, the newspaper said.

The Israel Air Force has equipped its F-15 and F-16 fighter jets with the pod, the report said.