U.S.A.F. to Buy Five EA-37B Compass Call Electronic-attack Aircraft

The United States Air Force (U.S.A.F.) is set to integrate five EA-37B Compass Call electronic-attack aircraft into its fleet in the upcoming fiscal year.

This move is part of a broader initiative to retire the aging EC-130H fleet and transition to a more modern and compact set of airborne jammers.

The Air Force's plan to introduce these aircraft was disclosed through budget documents released on March 11. It is developed collaboratively by L3Harris and BAE Systems. Despite a two-year delay, the first aircraft was delivered for testing last year, and after thorough evaluation, it will be stationed at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona, with the first fully operational jet expected in 2024.

The Compass Call system disrupts enemy communications, radar, navigation systems, and air defenses. Moreover, it can engage in electronic warfare activities like hacking into wireless devices and neutralizing roadside bombs.

Featuring a Gulfstream G550 airframe equipped with electronic attack equipment, the EA-37B can operate at altitudes exceeding 40,000 feet and speeds nearing 600 mph—double the capability of its predecessor, the EC-130H.

The transition to the new Compass Call system marks the end of an era for the 43rd Electronic Combat Squadron at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, which recently completed its final flight with the EC-130H.

The retirement of the EC-130H fleet is ongoing, with nine out of 14 Compass Calls already decommissioned. Budget allocations include provisions for decommissioning one more EC-130H this year and additional funding for operating and maintaining the Compass Call program, aimed at integrating the new EA-37B and managing the retiring planes.

The transition to the EA-37B is expected to streamline operations, with equipment advancements enabling a reduction in crew size from 13 to nine members.