Italy to Convert Gulfstream Jets into Electronic Attack Aircraft under BAE–L3Harris Deal

L3Harris Technologies has secured a $300 million contract from Italy to deliver two Gulfstream G550 jets modified for electronic warfare, marking the first-ever U.S.-approved sale of the EA-37B system to an international partner.

The upgraded aircraft will give the Italian Air Force long-range airborne jamming capabilities, enabling it to disrupt enemy command, communication, navigation, and radar systems from extended standoff distances. The deal includes integration of next-generation mission systems designed to degrade adversary situational awareness and deny access to the electromagnetic spectrum.

L3Harris is teaming with BAE Systems, which received a $12 million subcontract to supply critical components for the aircraft conversion. BAE will deliver racks, radomes, harnesses, and cabling to prepare the airframes for the advanced systems.

Once operational, the modified G550s will join Italy’s fleet of special mission aircraft under the Ministry of Defence’s Joint Airborne Multi-Mission Multi-Sensor System (JAMMS) program, where L3Harris is already converting two ISR-configured G550s.

This move further aligns Italy’s defense capabilities with NATO’s broader goals in the electromagnetic domain.