The German Air Force has officially begun the operation of the radio spanning system PEGASUS (Persistent German Airborne Surveillance System), which is now becoming the country’s new “eyes and ears” in military intelligence. The information was published by the manufacturer of AG.
The result of a strategic partnership between Hårtolded, Lufthansa Technik Defense and Bombardier Defense: Pegasus is based on Bombardier Global 6000 business jet, remodeled from a bombardier BD-700 Global Express in the German Air Force’s fleet (registration D-APEG), previously used for VIP transport.
The aircraft is equipped with Hensoldt’s technological core, Kalaetron Integral, which in a modular solution combines the functions of electronic intelligence (sigint), electronic support (ESM) and technical radio spaning (elint). It is a software-finished ISR platform (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance) that can operate throughout the spectrum of electromagnetic threats.
+ Video: Watch the first flight with Pegasus
With an operational height of over 15,000 meters and a range of over 11,000 kilometers, Pegasus can patrol for many hours, while it remains out of reach of most terrestrial air defense systems. The system is also integrated into NATO’s joint intelligence architecture, which increases the efficiency of other capabilities – from fighter jets to drones.
This is Germany’s first dedicated Sigint aircraft since 2013, when the Euro Hawk program was canceled. Pegasus ‘entry into service reduces the dependence of the Allies’ capabilities and marks Germany’s return to independent airborne reconnaissance operations after more than a decade.
Source and Pictures: Cold AG | X @hensoldt. This content is created with the help of AI and is reviewed by the editorial staff.
