Lufthansa Technik Defense and Bombardier Defense, a subsidiary of the aerospace giant Bombardier, recently unveiled the inaugural aircraft for Germany’s Pegasus program. The rollout, a significant milestone, occurred just before this year’s ILA Berlin airshow, signaling progress in a project first awarded by the German Air Force in 2021.
The Pegasus program, valued at over 1 billion euros, involves the integration of the Persistent German Airborne Surveillance System (Pegasus), a sophisticated radio and radar signal reconnaissance system developed by HENSOLDT, onto Bombardier’s Global 6000 aircraft.
The modification of the first aircraft was completed at Bombardier’s facility in Wichita, Kansas. This aircraft is now set to undergo ground testing in preparation for its inaugural flight. The program schedule includes modifications to two additional aircraft, underlining the program’s ambitious scope.
Bombardier Defense is at the helm of foundational modifications, while Lufthansa Technik Defense manages system integration from its specialized mission center in Hamburg, Germany. According to S&P Global, Bombardier Defense reported revenues of approximately US$600 million in 2023, with projections to increase its annual revenue to between US$1 billion and US$1.5 billion by 2030.
Steve Patrick, vice president of Bombardier Defense, emphasized the collaborative efforts contributing to the project’s success. “Bombardier Defense is proud to have the trust of HENSOLDT, Lufthansa Technik Defense and the Luftwaffe to complete this critical work on the high-performing Global 6000 aircraft for the Pegasus program,” he stated. He also highlighted the ongoing partnership and expertise that are driving the project toward its upcoming milestones, including the anticipated start of the flight test campaign in the coming months.