With the arrival of the first aircraft in the city of Hamburg, the German Air Force’s (Luftwaffe) PEGASUS signals intelligence (SIGINT) aircraft program has reached a new milestone. This aircraft, a Bombardier Global 6500, is the first of a total of three units ordered by the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) to carry out signals intelligence collection missions.
Officially designated PEGASUS (Persistent German Airborne Surveillance System), the program launched by the German government in 2021 aims to provide the Luftwaffe with a new airborne signals intelligence platform. In total, and in line with global trends in this field, the program includes the acquisition of three commercial business jets supplied by Bombardier, which will undergo conversion work as well as the installation and integration of highly specialized equipment to fulfill this critical role.
To this end, PEGASUS brings together several of the most important civil and military aviation companies, including those specialized in the provision of avionics and sensor suites, with HENSOLDT, Lufthansa Technik Defense, and Bombardier Defense standing out at both the national and international levels.
Regarding this first aircraft that arrived in Germany, it is precisely the first example of the program, a Bombardier Global 6500, which began its test and certification flights in October 2024. Identified with the registration N637HN, the jet arrived in the city of Hamburg on December 4, where it was received at the facilities of Lufthansa Technik Defense, where it will continue the next phase of its conversion into a SIGINT platform.
In this regard, Juergen Halder, Vice President of Airborne SIGINT at HENSOLDT, stated: “This delivery marks a decisive step toward operational capability,” adding that: “With the arrival of the first aircraft in Hamburg, we are entering the crucial phase of system integration and qualification. Together with our partners, we are now moving from design and testing to full implementation, bringing the next generation of airborne intelligence to life.”
At the same time, with respect to the details of the work to be undertaken on the aircraft over the coming months, it should be noted that the installation of specific sensor and mission systems based on HENSOLDT’s Kalaetron system will be carried out. Lufthansa Technik Defense will also conduct the processes required to obtain both military and civil certification of the platform.
“Seeing the PEGASUS aircraft return to Hamburg for its important next chapter is a moment of pride for our teams,” said Michael von Puttkamer, Vice President of Special Aircraft Services at Lufthansa Technik. “This milestone marks the beginning of an exciting new phase in which we will bring together technology, craftsmanship, and special mission aircraft expertise to deliver one of the most advanced airborne intelligence platforms ever built.”
Finally, and as reported weeks ago, while the PEGASUS program currently includes the acquisition and SIGINT conversion of three Bombardier aircraft, the German government has been evaluating the possibility of expanding its scope through additional means. Although this decision is still under review—requiring an assessment of both feasibility and the resources involved—Berlin has indicated that the program’s expansion could include the purchase of between three and six additional SIGINT platforms, justified by the lessons learned and actions adopted from the operational experience of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
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