Hensoldt Unleashes Accelerated Developments for German Pegasus SIGINT System

The PEGASUS signal intelligence (SIGINT) framework is now proceeding into the execution stage with the architecture crafted by sensor solutions provider HENSOLDT. The Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology, and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) has validated one of the most critical project milestones – the so-called Critical Design Review (CDR) – thereby granting the approval for the execution of the system architecture.

During the CDR, officials from the Bundeswehr, representing both the public client and the future operator, assessed the structure of the SIGINT components of the PEGASUS weapon platform. Through numerous individual demonstrations, the client was given an extensive overview of the execution strategy tailored to its comprehensive needs. Simultaneously, the advancement of the overall initiative was communicated through various software and hardware displays.

Following this, the subcontractor Lufthansa Technik, located in Hamburg, provided an impressive overview of the intended integration of the resulting reconnaissance system into the aircraft along with the necessary modification strategies.

Jürgen Halder, Vice President Airborne SIGINT at HENSOLDT, stated: “The close collaboration between the Bundeswehr and HENSOLDT since the initiation of project activities ensured that the presented design was widely embraced. The core reconnaissance solution “KALAETRON Integral” delivers a globally exclusive, high-performance reconnaissance capability based on advanced German cornerstone technology.”

Two years prior, HENSOLDT was awarded the contract to deliver an airborne system for electronic signal intelligence aboard Bombardier business jets utilizing its SIGINT system “Kalætron Integral”. The contract value exceeds one billion euros. HENSOLDT operates as the primary contractor and assumes overall accountability for the realization of the initiative. Lufthansa Technik, based in Hamburg, will function as a subcontractor, acquiring the aircraft from the manufacturer Bombardier, including their modification, alongside the fitting and integration of the reconnaissance system developed by HENSOLDT into the aircraft. In total, nearly 30 companies, including numerous SMEs, from across Germany are engaged in the project as suppliers and collaborators.