Preparing Germany’s New Surveillance Aircraft for Service

February 1, 2026

Hensoldt
Taufkirchen, Germany
www.hensoldt.net

Hensoldt, Lufthansa Technik Defense, and Bombardier Defense have reached another key milestone in the Persistent German Airborne Surveillance System (PEGASUS) program: the first aircraft has arrived in Germany. PEGASUS is a Bombardier Global 6000 jet, modified with specialized electronic warfare and signals intelligence technologies that will serve as Germany’s new airborne surveillance aircraft.

Following its transatlantic flight from Bombardier’s facility in Wichita, Kansas, the aircraft landed at Lufthansa Technik’s headquarters in Hamburg, where the next major phase of the program is ongoing.

“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.”

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. The company will handle both civil and military certification of the aircraft. In parallel, preparations for entry-in-to-service support are underway — including training of technical and flight personnel, and the creation and provision of technical documentation.

Hensoldt acts as general contractor and holds overall responsibility for the realization 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.

Visit Here