Germany eyes additional SIGINT capacity
In August 2021, before Russia’s attack on Ukraine, Germany ordered a new strategic airborne SIGINT capability based on a fleet of modified Bombardier Global 6000 business jets. These aircraft will be rebuilt to execute the Persistent German Airborne Surveillance System (PEGASUS) mission.
However, the three platforms will not be fully operational until 2028, leaving a longstanding gap in SIGINT capacity that began in 2010 when the last Breguet Br1150 Atlantic was retired. Currently, two of the aircraft have been externally modified but are not yet equipped with the central SIGINT electronics. They are undergoing flight testing at Bombardier Defense in the USA. The first aircraft is expected back in Hamburg this year, after which Lufthansa Technik will begin installing the surveillance electronics for SIGINT missions supplied by Hensoldt—the core of PEGASUS.
It is now reported that the Bundeswehr has identified a need for an additional three to six systems. Given the experience gained in developing and integrating the reconnaissance system, along with advantages in logistical and operational uniformity, observers believe a follow-up order is possible. The Federal Ministry of Defence, however, remains noncommittal: "The Bundeswehr is continuously adapting its technical capability portfolio to the changing threat situation," a ministry spokesperson said in response to a query, declining to provide further details.
The SIGINT platforms, to be registered starting from serial 14+2x, will be based at Schleswig-Jagel Air Base, joining Taktisches Luftwaffengeschwader (TLG) 51 Immelmann.
Credit photo: Bombardier, via Lufthansa Technik