With the increasing number of global geopolitical hot spots, Hensoldt feels that the three PEGASUS platforms ordered by the Luftwaffe will not be enough to meet future SIGINT requirements and that more are likely to follow. (Hensoldt)
Hensoldt expects the Luftwaffe to increase the number of signals intelligence (SIGINT) aircraft it intends to buy under the Persistent German Airborne Surveillance System (PEGASUS) programme, following a general deterioration in the global geopolitical picture.
Speaking to Janes and other media, a representative of the prime contractor on the project said that the currently contracted three aircraft will not be enough to fulfil future taskings, and that a follow-on order is anticipated.
“The initial contract is for three aircraft, and we are proud to be in a position to deliver those. If you look at the current geopolitical situation, even though any [one] aircraft can persistently monitor a vast area, there are unfortunately too many hot spots globally. So, we expect an additional rise [in aircraft numbers] to be coming eventually,” Jürgen Halder, vice-president, Airborne SIGINT at Hensoldt, said on 23 October.
In outlining his expectation that the Luftwaffe will acquire additional PEGASUS airframes, Halder cited the aborted Euro Hawk project that preceded it, saying, “Discussions are starting in a very early phase, but it's apparent that three aircraft are not sufficient, especially if you consider that the Euro Hawk programme had already included much higher numbers of aircraft.” Based on the Northrop Grumman RQ-4B Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the RQ-4E Euro Hawk procurement was pegged at five air vehicles at the time of its cancellation due to airspace certification issues in 2013.
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