Based on lessons learned from the war in Ukraine, analysts and officials in Berlin have begun to push the idea that the German Air Force may need to move forward with the acquisition of between three and six new Pegasus signals intelligence (SIGINT) aircraft. This would allow it to strengthen its airborne surveillance capabilities while maintaining uniformity with the fleet already ordered by the institution. Although there have been no official announcements on the matter, the German Ministry of Defense has responded to inquiries from local media stating that the Armed Forces continuously adapt to modern and changing threats, which would indicate the possibility that such a purchase is being outlined.
It should be recalled that, in 2021, the German government tasked the company Hensoldt with developing an airborne electronic signals intelligence system, which later came to be known as Pegasus (Persistent German Airborne Surveillance System). This is regarded as a valuable asset for future German air strategies. The system was initially designed to be integrated on Triton drones but is now being installed by Lufthansa Technik on Canadian-made Bombardier Global 6000 aircraft.
In detail, Berlin has so far ordered a total of three units, with the first expected to be completed by 2027. According to information provided by the aforementioned company, the external structure of two aircraft has already been modified to advance with initial flight tests, which are being carried out at Bombardier Defense facilities in the United States. In particular, it is expected that before the end of the year, the first modified and certified aircraft could be transferred to Hamburg, where it will undergo the installation of the specialized equipment developed by Hensoldt.
In line with these projections, Lufthansa Technik has already stated that all necessary design work enabling the integration of these systems into the aircraft has been completed. The company added that the production of various associated interior components has also begun. The intention is that once the first Pegasus arrives in Germany from the U.S., this phase can move forward quickly. This work would be carried out at the Special Mission Aircraft Competence Center located in Hamburg.
Furthermore, referring to Germany’s growing interest in such platforms, key actors in the defense-industrial complex have suggested that this is partly due to the reduced availability of similar U.S. systems in Europe and their greater demand since the beginning of the war in Ukraine. Among those who support this view is Hensoldt’s CEO, Oliver Dörre, who made such remarks during phone conversations with specialized analysts in July.
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