As modern conflicts become increasingly reliant on electronic warfare and intelligence gathering, Germany is advancing its Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) capabilities to enhance national security and strategic awareness. The Pegasus program reflects a global trend of nations investing in advanced airborne surveillance systems for enhanced intelligence capabilities.
1 What is the Pegasus Program?
The PEGASUS, or Persistent German Airborne Surveillance System, program–under the direction of HENSOLDT–aims to provide the German military with sophisticated airborne surveillance and SIGINT capabilities.
In June 2021, HENSOLDT was awarded a USD $1.05 billion contract to deliver an advanced airborne electronic SIGINT system for Bombardier Global jets, based on its cutting-edge Kalaetron Integral platform. Since then, HENSOLDT has worked closely with Lufthansa Technik Defence and Bombardier on a comprehensive joint design effort to seamlessly integrate the cutting-edge system into the aircraft. [source]
1.1 Pegasus Program Timeline
June 2021:
- Hensoldt awarded a contract for an airborne SIGINT system, beginning design and development with Bombardier and Lufthansa Technik Defense.
November 2022:
- The first Bombardier Global 6000 arrives at Wichita for structural modifications and preparation for SIGINT system integration.
End of 2023:
- Hensoldt’s overall mission system design successfully passes customer acceptance testing.
September 2024:
The first Pegasus aircraft completed its maiden test flight at Bombardier’s Wichita facility, continuing ground and flight tests.
2025:
- The first Pegasus aircraft will arrive at Lufthansa Technik Defense in Hamburg for final system integration and configuration.
2026:
- The first Pegasus aircraft is scheduled to be delivered to the Luftwaffe, marking the platform’s operational debut.
2028:
- The delivery of two additional operational Pegasus aircraft will complete the Luftwaffe’s initial fleet of three. [source]
2 Technical specifications
2.1 Original Airframe
The Bombardier Global 6000, which was first intended as a long-distance passenger jet, has emerged as a popular option for intelligence-gathering missions. The UAE and US Air Forces use modified Bombardier Global aircraft for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. The UK has also used the predecessor to the Global 6000, the Global Express, for airborne battlefield and ground surveillance. [source]
The Global 6000’s high-altitude capability, speed, agility, endurance, and reliability make it an ideal platform for the Pegasus program. Beyond ISR, this versatile airframe supports a wide range of applications, including head-of-state transport, flight inspection, atmospheric observation, medevac, maritime surveillance, search and rescue, multi-role operations, airborne early warning, and electronic warfare. [source]
2.1.1 Aircraft Specifications
Engines: 2 x Rolls-Royce BR710A2-20 turbofans
Range: 6000 nm
Max Speed: 587 mph (944 km/h)
Length: 99 ft (30 m)
Maximum Operating Altitude: 51,000 ft (15,545 m)
Wingspan: 94 ft (28 m)
Height: 26 ft (8 m)
2.2 Upgrades and Enhancements for Pegasus Aircraft
Significant structural modifications have been carried out to ready the first aircraft, including optimising the airframe design and enhancing the ergonomics of the internal cabin and crew rest areas. [source]
Key design enhancements include ISR nodes added to the underside and sides of the forward fuselage for improved capabilities. These enhancements are currently distinguishable by their green features, located toward the centre-rear of the fuselage and beneath the wings. We anticipate that these green elements will remain visible only during the aircraft’s developmental phase, with the exterior likely adopting a uniform colour scheme once the aircraft becomes operational.
2.3 SIGINT Capabilities
Modern conflicts are characterised by a dense and complex electromagnetic environment, with overlapping frequency bands posing significant challenges. Therefore, rapid and comprehensive detection and analysis of electromagnetic emissions are critical for constructing an accurate intelligence picture and converting signals into actionable intelligence in a timely manner.
SIGINT, which correlates often fragmented and conflicting information, is essential for spotting and eliminating threats. Moreover, modern airborne SIGINT systems give military personnel a comprehensive grasp of the electromagnetic order of battle, which includes enemy movement and position. By strengthening the application of successful countermeasures, this capability eventually increases the effectiveness and survivability of friendly forces.
2.3.1 Kalaetron Integral
Kalaetron Integral is a cutting-edge airborne SIGINT system that addresses the complexity of the contemporary electromagnetic spectrum and is intended to be a strategic asset for wide-area reconnaissance. The system provides outstanding performance throughout the electromagnetic spectrum by integrating intelligence from communication signals (COMINT) and radar signals (ELINT) in a seamless manner. [source]
The system has a broad frequency range, exceptional accuracy, high sensitivity, and long operational endurance, providing continuous frequency coverage throughout the whole electromagnetic spectrum, from below 30 MHz to 40 GHz. It can cover large areas while maintaining a safe distance from possible threats thanks to its long-range and high-altitude capabilities. Additionally, AI and machine learning-driven automation reduce operator workload, enhancing decision-making speed and efficiency in intelligence operations. [source]
3 Strategic Significance
In 2020, with the expiration of the U.S. Navy’s offer to Germany for the MQ-4C Triton unmanned aerial system, Germany sought alternative solutions to address its airborne SIGINT requirements, ultimately leading to the development of the Pegasus program.
Prior to the launch of the Pegasus program, Germany’s SIGINT missions were conducted using Dassault-Breguet Atlantique aircraft, which were retired in June 2010. Efforts to replace them with Northrop Grumman EuroHawk unmanned aerial vehicles—developed in collaboration with the then-EADS—were shelved in 2013, despite the successful production and flight of a prototype. As a result, the capability gap left by these developments made the Pegasus program essential for ensuring Germany’s continued SIGINT capabilities. [source]
The PEGASUS program enhances Germany’s SIGINT capabilities, closing critical gaps to meet evolving operational demands effectively. By 2026, the Luftwaffe plans to use the Pegasus aircraft to contribute additional SIGINT support to NATO. [source]
3.1 Pegasus Aircraft Fleet Expansion
The Luftwaffe assigned Tactical Air Force Wing 51 ‘Immelmann’ at Jagel to establish a third squadron for operating PEGASUS aircraft. [source]
Although only three aircraft have been ordered initially, experts from the airborne SIGINT team at Hensoldt anticipate that the Luftwaffe will expand the fleet to address growing operational requirements. Moreover, given the deteriorating global geopolitical landscape and the number of active hotspots worldwide, they believe the current order may be insufficient to meet future tasking demands, signalling a potential increase in the number of Pegasus aircraft. [source]
4 Summary
In summary, with the three SIGINT airframes in the pipeline, the Pegasus program appears poised to give the German Air Force a completely new capability in a field in which Germany has not historically been active.
The selection of the Global 6000 for military use highlights the exceptional quality of Bombardier jets, making them a reliable choice for both VIP transport and specialised mission applications.
