Between 2026 and 2028, the Bundeswehr will receive three systems for signal-detecting airborne long-range surveillance and reconnaissance (SLWÜA). Under the project name PEGASUS (Persistant German Airborne Surveillance Systems), the Federal Office for Equipment, Information Technology and Use of the Bundeswehr (BAAINBw) has commissioned Hensoldt Sensors as general contractor to deliver the systems consisting of three main components: mission system for signal acquisition, carrier platform based on the Global business aircraft 6000 from the Canadian manufacturer Bombardier and the ground segment with evaluation system, reference system and training system.
The core of PEGASUS is the modular and powerful reconnaissance system Kalaetron, which Hensoldt developed based on the flight-tested ISIS system (Integrated SIGINT System). (ESUT hasreported). “PEGASUS thus forms the basis for future capability development in the areas of self-protection and electronic warfare,” said Celia Pelaz, Hensoldt’s strategy chief and head of the Spectrum Dominance and Airborne Solutions division.
Lufthansa Technik is responsible for the procurement of the three Bombardier “Global 6000” aircraft and their modification (cabin conversion, reconnaissance technology installation). In total, almost 30 companies, including many medium-sized companies, from all over Germany are involved in the project as suppliers and partners.
The Federal Office of Equipment, Information Technology and Use points out that the project ensures and promotes the maintenance of competence for national key technologies in accordance with the Federal Government's strategy paper to strengthen the security and defense industry. With Pegasus, the capability gap in signal detection reconnaissance that has existed for eleven years will now be closed.
The PEGASUS procurement was one of the 27 projects that passed the Bundestag committees on June 23, 2021.
Gerhard Heiming
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