Germany’s Pegasus SIGINT jet passes critical milestone
The first Pegasus is scheduled to enter service in 2026. (Photo: Hensoldt)
Two years ago, Hensoldt was awarded the contract to supply an airborne system for electronic signals intelligence (SIGINT) on board Bombardier business jets.
The Pegasus (Persistent German Airborne Surveillance System) SIGINT platform has passed critical design review which means it has the green light for implementation of system design.
The approval came after representatives of the Bundeswehr, both from the procuring agency and future user, examined the design of the SIGINT components of the PEGASUS weapon system.
This followed a detailed presentation of implementation planning for the system’s extensive requirements. At the same time, progress of the overall project was confirmed in software and hardware demonstrations.
As part of the review subcontractor Lufthansa Technik, Hamburg, outlined its integration of the reconnaissance system into the aircraft and the conversion process.
The order is worth over EUR1 billion (US$1,1 billion) with Hensoldt acting as prime contractor. Lufthansa Technik is procuring the aircraft from manufacturer Bombardier, carrying out modification, and fitting and integrating the reconnaissance system developed by Hensoldt into the aircraft.
The Pegasus project aims to fulfil a German SIGINT capability which has been missing 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.
The first Pegasus is scheduled to enter service in 2026.
More from Air Warfare
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Windracers highlights UK drone momentum]()
Eurosatory 2026: Windracers highlights UK drone momentum
Windracers is using Eurosatory 2026 to showcase its ULTRA autonomous cargo aircraft following its selection for a major UK support package for Ukraine and growing government backing for drone operations.
-
![India’s AMCA fifth-gen fighter roadmap firms up with private sector push]()
India’s AMCA fifth-gen fighter roadmap firms up with private sector push
As a major shortfall in Indian fighter jet capability looms, New Delhi is looking to spread risk and accelerate delivery of its fifth-generation combat aircraft.
-
![USAF plans major CCA expansion with new suppliers and billions in funding]()
USAF plans major CCA expansion with new suppliers and billions in funding
US Air Force leaders say open architecture and broader industry participation will help deliver affordable autonomous wingmen capable of overwhelming future adversaries.
-
![Airbus unveils expansion of uncrewed portfolio with new CCA and helicopter platforms]()
Airbus unveils expansion of uncrewed portfolio with new CCA and helicopter platforms
The manufacturer is betting heavily on the demand for uncrewed systems, revealing the uncrewed H145M – known as the U145 – and the U760 Ravenstorm at ILA Berlin 2026 as the two latest additions to its expanding UAV offering.
-
![FCAS future fighter jet collapse: where does Europe’s next-generation air power go next?]()
FCAS future fighter jet collapse: where does Europe’s next-generation air power go next?
While the New Generation Fighter pillar of the Franco-German-Spanish programme is now officially dead in the water, Germany’s ambition to develop a sixth-generation fighter jet remains – with the country serving as a financially attractive potential partner for other programmes.
-
![Upgrades and fresh orders reinforce demand for Dassault’s Rafale fighter jet (updated 2026)]()
Upgrades and fresh orders reinforce demand for Dassault’s Rafale fighter jet (updated 2026)
The French-made aircraft is lining up potentially huge orders in Asia, with the latest F5 platform designed to keep the jet relevant in the modern battlespace until the 2040s.
