Germany has received the first aircraft for its Pegasus next-generation airborne signals intelligence (SIGINT) program.
The Pegasus program, led by Munich-based tactical sensors company Hensoldt with core partners Lufthansa Technik Defense and Bombardier Defense, aims to replace Berlin’s decommissioned Bréguet BR1150 Atlantic maritime patrol aircraft with a new fleet incorporating modern electronic and communications capabilities.
The platform arrived from Bombardier’s Wichita center in Kansas and has been handed over to Lufthansa in Hamburg to begin the next phase of integration, testing, and certification.
‘Full Implementation’ Stage
Based on a Bombardier Global 6000 business jet, the aircraft underwent structural modifications, fuselage fairings, and trial flights before departing the US.
With the airframe now in Germany, engineers will start integrating Hensoldt’s proprietary SIGINT suite “Kalætron Integral,” the mission cabin, and additional military and communication systems.
Lufthansa will oversee both civil and military certification throughout the development.
“This delivery marks a decisive step towards operational capability,” said Jürgen Halder, airborne SIGINT vice president at Hensoldt.
“We are now moving from design and test into full implementation — bringing the next generation of airborne intelligence to life.”
Two additional aircraft are planned under the Pegasus program, with the first to be delivered to the German Armed Forces by 2027.
The initial jet is expected to be stationed in northern Germany, with Hohn Air Base or Jagel Air Base as potential home bases, according to sources.
