Germany become third eurpean nation with Spy plane dedicated to SIGINT.

The first of a potential fleet of three Pegasus SIGINT (Signals Intelligence) spy planes destined for Germany has departed from Bombardier Defense's site in Wichita, USA, to begin its ground testing program. The Bombardier Global 6000 business jet was selected for the Pegasus program, which will see the integration of the Hensoldt Kalætron Integral SIGINT system and other sensors by Lufthansa Technik Defence in Hamburg, Germany, thus providing the country's military with a new airborne surveillance capability.
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First pegasus plane base on global 6000 business jet  (Picture source: bombardier)

What is SIGINT?

SIGINT, or Signals Intelligence, is an intelligence discipline focused on the interception and analysis of electronic signals and communications. This method encompasses the monitoring of radio communications, satellite transmissions, telephone communications, and signals emitted by radars and other electronic equipment, even internet connectivity.

SIGINT is divided into several sub-disciplines, including ELINT (Electronic Intelligence) for non-communicative electronic signals, and COMINT (Communications Intelligence) for voice and data communications. Intelligence agencies and military forces use SIGINT to gather crucial information about the activities, capabilities, and intentions of adversaries, including listening to radio transmissions and emissions from troop movements or equipment deployment.

Program Timeline

In June 2021, Hensoldt won a contract to supply an airborne SIGINT system aboard three Bombardier aircraft based on its Kalætron Integral system, which collects and analyzes military signals from radar and radio systems.

In a statement on June 5, 2024, timed to coincide with the recent ILA Berlin Air Show, Bombardier announced that since the award, Hensoldt, Lufthansa Technik Defence, and Bombardier have "worked closely on a joint design activity."

By the end of 2023, the overall mission system design by Hensoldt had been accepted by the client and more recently saw the completion of significant structural modifications on the first airframe. After the initial ground and flight tests at Bombardier's US site, each aircraft will be transferred to Lufthansa Technik Defence's facilities in Hamburg for further integration work.

Valued at over one billion euros (1.08 billion dollars), the Pegasus SIGINT program sees Hensoldt acting as the general contractor, taking overall responsibility for project delivery, while Lufthansa Technik Defence acts as a subcontractor in procuring modified Global 6000 aircraft from Bombardier.