PEGASUS takes the next step: first aircraft lands in Germany
Hamburg (Germany), 11 December 2025 – 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. Following its transatlantic flight from Bombardier’s facility in Wichita, Kansas, the aircraft has landed at Lufthansa Technik’s headquarters in Hamburg last week, where the next major phase of the programme will now begin.
Led by national electromagnetic warfare champion HENSOLDT and employing the extensive special mission aircraft capabilities of Lufthansa Technik, the German MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) specialist, and of Bombardier, the Canadian aircraft manufacturer, the PEGASUS programme will provide the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) with a state-of-the-art airborne signals intelligence (SIGINT) capability. The arrival of the first aircraft marks the transition from platform design and development in the United States to the mission system integration and certification phase in Germany.
“This delivery marks a decisive step towards operational capability,” said Jürgen Halder, Vice President Airborne SIGINT at HENSOLDT. “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 test into full implementation — bringing the next generation of airborne intelligence to life.”
“Bombardier’s high-performing Global aircraft are the go-to choice for the most demanding government missions around the world,” said Steve Patrick, Vice President, Bombardier Defense. “We are proud to collaborate with HENSOLDT and Lufthansa Technik to help bring this next-generation signals intelligence aircraft to the German Armed Forces.”
At Lufthansa Technik in Hamburg, the next steps will include the integration of the SIGINT system based on HENSOLDT’s Kalaetron Integral, the installation of the mission cabin, and the integration of additional military and communication systems. Moreover, the company will handle both civil and military certification of the aircraft. In parallel, preparations for entry-into-service support are already underway — including training of technical and flight personnel and the creation and provision of technical documentation — to ensure a smooth transition into operational use.
“Seeing the PEGASUS aircraft returning to Hamburg for their important next chapter is a proud moment for our teams,” said Michael von Puttkamer, Vice President Special Aircraft Services at Lufthansa Technik. “This milestone marks the start 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.”
HENSOLDT acts as general contractor and holds overall responsibility for the realisation of the PEGASUS weapon system itself as well as the ground station, training facility and data analysis capabilities. Lufthansa Technik Defense serves as prime subcontractor, procuring and modifying the aircraft and integrating the reconnaissance system developed by HENSOLDT. Bombardier Defense provides the high-performance Global 6000 platform and supports the programme with its engineering and flight-testing expertise.
Photo courtesy Hensoldt
