German SIGINT effort progresses as Pegasus fleet modification work goes ahead
The Pegasus project, headed by Hensoldt, celebrated a recent milestone as the first Global 6000 aircraft arrived for modification at Bombardier’s facility in Kansas, USA.
Bombardier Defense will perform major structural modifications to accommodate the Kalætron Integral SIGINT system developed by Hensoldt. Kalætron system collects and analyses military signals from radar and radio systems.
Following Bombardier’s preparatory work, the system will be integrated at Lufthansa Technik’s special mission aircraft competence centre in Germany.
The first Pegasus is scheduled to enter service in 2026.
The Pegasus (Persistent German Airborne Surveillance System) project aims to fulfil a SIGINT capability which has been missing in the German Armed Forces since the retirement of five Breguet BR1150 Atlantic aircraft in June 2010.
Until 2019, Germany had intended to introduce four SIGINT-configured MQ-4C Tritons to fulfil this capability but decided in favour of procuring crewed aircraft instead, in part due to concerns over airspace use.
More from Air Warfare
-
Singapore’s H225M and CH-47F helicopters attain full operational capability
Both helicopter types will provide a step change in Singapore’s helicopter lift capability.
-
Lockheed beats out Northrop on $17 billion US missile contract
The Next Generation Interceptor and accompanying radars will play a key role in protecting the US against long-range ballistic missile threats.
-
How Russia’s declining arms sales is reshaping the global defence industry
As Serbia considers a multi-billion-euro deal for French Rafale fighter jets, its move towards Western arms has signalled a significant departure from its reliance on Russian equipment, reflecting broader shifts in global defence procurement.