PEGASUS Advances: First Aircraft Lands in Germany

12/11/2025 – 06:05 AM

Arrival marks the start of integration, testing and certification activities for Germany’s next‑generation airborne SIGINT platform

The modified Bombardier Global 6000 for the PEGASUS airborne SIGINT mission undergoing flight trials ahead of transfer to Germany. Photo: Bombardier Defense

HAMBURG, Germany, Dec. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HENSOLDT, Lufthansa Technik Defense and Bombardier Defense have reached another key milestone in the PEGASUS (Persistent German Airborne Surveillance System) programme: the first aircraft has successfully arrived in Germany. After a transatlantic flight from Bombardier’s Wichita facility, the platform touched down at Lufthansa Technik’s headquarters in Hamburg, where the next major phase of the programme will commence.

The PEGASUS programme, driven by national electromagnetic‑warfare leader HENSOLDT and supported by Lufthansa Technik’s special‑mission aircraft expertise, will equip the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) with a state‑of‑the‑art airborne signals‑intelligence (SIGINT) capability. The aircraft’s arrival signals the hand‑off from platform design and development in the United States to mission‑system integration and certification in Germany.

“This delivery is a decisive step toward operational capability,” said Jürgen Halder, Vice President Airborne SIGINT at HENSOLDT. “With the first aircraft now in Hamburg we are entering the critical integration and qualification stage. Together with our partners we are moving from design and testing to full implementation, delivering the next generation of airborne intelligence.”

“Bombardier’s high‑performance Global platform is the go‑to choice for the most demanding government missions worldwide,” said Steve Patrick, Vice President, Bombardier Defense. “We are proud to work alongside HENSOLDT and Lufthansa Technik to bring this advanced signals‑intelligence aircraft to the German Armed Forces.”

At Lufthansa Technik in Hamburg, the upcoming tasks include installing HENSOLDT’s Kalaetron Integral SIGINT suite, outfitting the dedicated mission cabin, and integrating additional military‑grade communication systems. Lufthansa Technik will also conduct both civil and military type certification. Parallel to these efforts, entry‑into‑service support is being prepared, encompassing training for flight and ground crews as well as the production of comprehensive technical documentation.

“Seeing the PEGASUS aircraft back in Hamburg for its next chapter is a proud moment for our teams,” said Michael von Puttkamer, Vice President Special Aircraft Services at Lufthansa Technik. “This milestone launches an exciting phase where technology, craftsmanship and special‑mission expertise converge to deliver one of the most advanced airborne intelligence platforms ever built.”

HENSOLDT serves as the overall program contractor, overseeing the weapon system, ground station, training facilities and data‑analysis capabilities. Lufthansa Technik Defense acts as prime subcontractor, handling aircraft modification and integration of HENSOLDT’s reconnaissance suite. Bombardier Defense supplies the Global 6000 airframe and provides engineering and flight‑test support throughout the programme.

Business and Technology Outlook

The PEGASUS programme illustrates a growing trend among NATO allies to field modular, software‑defined SIGINT platforms that can be rapidly re‑tasked in response to evolving threat environments. By leveraging a commercial‑off‑the‑shelf Global 6000 airframe, the consortium reduces development risk and lifecycle costs while meeting stringent military performance criteria. The integration of HENSOLDT’s Kalaetron Integral, a digital, open‑architecture SIGINT processor, positions the system to incorporate future sensor upgrades without extensive airframe redesign.

From a market perspective, the project underscores the expanding role of private‑sector aerospace firms in defense acquisition. Bombardier’s transition from purely commercial operations to a hybrid defense model reflects a broader industry shift, where manufacturers diversify revenue streams by offering “mission‑ready” variants of existing platforms. Lufthansa Technik’s entry into the defense sustainment space, bolstered by partnerships with Lockheed Martin, Rheinmetall and ESG, signals a strategic pivot toward high‑value, long‑term service contracts.

Financially, the programme is expected to generate recurring revenue for all three partners through lifecycle support, software licensing, and upgrade paths. HENSOLDT’s emphasis on software‑defined capabilities aligns with its broader strategy to increase recurring‑revenue ratios, a trend that analysts view favorably for earnings stability.

Company Profiles

HENSOLDT is a leading European defence sensor manufacturer headquartered near Munich. The firm develops platform‑agnostic, network‑centric sensor solutions and is expanding into software‑defined defence and service‑oriented business models. In 2024, HENSOLDT reported revenue of €2.24 billion and employs roughly 9,000 personnel.

Lufthansa Technik Defense was launched in 2023 to deepen the group’s involvement in military aircraft sustainment and modification. The business unit supports the German Armed Forces and NATO partners across a portfolio that includes the P‑8A Poseidon, CH‑47 Chinook, and future F‑35 support agreements.

Bombardier Defense combines Bombardier’s Challenger and Global aircraft platforms with extensive engineering and maintenance expertise to deliver customized solutions for government customers. Based in Wichita, Kansas, the division leverages a global support network to sustain a wide range of ISR, AEW&C, and transport missions.