U.S. Air Force’s first EA-37 Compass Call electronic warfare aircraft is deployed at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona.
The aircraft replaces the Hercules-based EC-130H Compass Call after 49 years of service, while roughly 70 per cent of mission equipment will stay unmodified. BAE built the mission hardware for the EA-37, based on the long-range Gulfstream G550 business jet modified by L3Harris to meet the Navy’s unique mission requirements. The EA-37B can fly at 40,000 feet and 600 knots, compared to the EC-130’s ceiling of 25,000 feet and 300 knots.
The EA-37B is a next-generation tactical jamming platform that targets enemy C3, radar, and navigation. It will also provide offensive counter-information, electronic warfare, and enemy air defences (SEAD) suppression.
Upgrades will enable it to perform standoff jamming/EA at a longer distance for strikes on A2/AD targets. The service intends to buy ten of the new aircraft.
