Ukrainian drone maker partners with Rohde & Schwarz to add signals intelligence capability
Ukrainian drone manufacturer Pegasus Arms has partnered with Germany’s Rohde & Schwarz to equip its unmanned aircraft with signals intelligence and electronic support functions. The move would expand Pegasus platforms from strike and logistics missions into real-time signal collection, threat detection, and broader battlefield awareness.
The companies said cooperation will start with joint development and then move to proof-of-concept testing, system configuration, and validation. The goal is to integrate electronic surveillance and sensing payloads directly into Pegasus drones so they can collect and process radio-frequency emissions during operations.
Pegasus Arms has already delivered more than 1,500 heavy UAVs to Ukrainian units. Those aircraft have been used against armored vehicles and other targets, while also supporting mine-laying and supply missions. With Rohde & Schwarz technology onboard, the drones are expected to take on more advanced tasks, including identifying and tracking hostile emitters and enemy drones, supporting wider counter-UAS efforts.
The agreement would also broaden the role of Pegasus systems beyond their current mission set. Pegasus said its drones are being positioned for threat detection, electronic support, and improved situational awareness. One likely candidate for the upgrade is the Pegasus Arms 25, a modular heavy UAV designed for rapid deployment. The platform can be made operational in eight minutes. It is built to withstand electronic warfare pressure, maintain stable communications, and return autonomously if the signal is lost. Its modular architecture supports munitions, mines, and supply payloads. It can fly at speeds of up to 110 kilometers per hour, carry up to 14 kilograms, operate at altitudes of up to 400 meters, remain airborne for up to 45 minutes, and cover an operational range of 20 kilometers. Its communication links can extend to 30 kilometers.
The partnership highlights how tactical drones are becoming multi-role nodes for sensing as well as attack. For Ukraine, adding embedded electronic surveillance to combat-proven UAVs could increase the value of every sortie, strengthen counter-drone operations, and give frontline units faster access to actionable signals data.