Hensoldt: German Pegasus SIGINT system picks up speed

Taufkirchen/Germany, 16 November 2023 – The PEGASUS signal intelligence (SIGINT) system is now entering the implementation phase with the design developed by sensor solution provider HENSOLDT. The Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) has approved one of the most important project milestones – the so-called Critical Design Review (CDR) – and thus given the green light for the implementation of the system design.

In the CDR, representatives of the Bundeswehr, both from the public customer and the future user, examined the design of the SIGINT components of the PEGASUS weapon system. In a large number of individual presentations, the customer was given a detailed presentation of the implementation planning for its extensive requirements. At the same time, the progress of the overall project was communicated in various software and hardware demonstrations.

Subsequently, the subcontractor Lufthansa Technik, Hamburg, gave an impressive presentation on the planned integration of the resulting reconnaissance system into the aircraft and the associated conversion measures.

Jürgen Halder, Vice President Airborne SIGINT at HENSOLDT, said: “The close cooperation between the Bundeswehr and HENSOLDT since the beginning of the project activities guaranteed that the presented design was widely accepted. The underlying reconnaissance solution “KALAETRON Integral” offers a globally unique, high-performance reconnaissance capability based on powerful German key technology.”

Two years ago, HENSOLDT was awarded the contract to supply an airborne system for electronic signals intelligence on board Bombardier business jets based on its SIGINT system “Kalætron Integral”. The order is worth over one billion euros. HENSOLDT is acting as general contractor and bears overall responsibility for the realisation of the project. Lufthansa Technik, based in Hamburg, will act as a subcontractor, procuring the aircraft from the manufacturer Bombardier, including their modification, as well as fitting and integrating the reconnaissance system developed by HENSOLDT into the aircraft. In total, almost 30 companies, including many SMEs, from all over Germany are involved in the project as suppliers and partners.

Image courtesy Hensoldt