The United States Air Force (USAF) has started integrating the EC-37B Compass Call into its fleet, marking a significant step in modernizing its electronic warfare capabilities. The aircraft arrived at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base on August 23, 2024, for crew training after its first test flight on May 4, 2023, from L3 Harris’ Integration and Modification Center in Waco, Texas.
Replacing the aging EC-130H that has been in service since 1983, the EC-37B is built on a reconfigured G550 business aircraft. The USAF plans to acquire ten of these new aircraft, with five already constructed. During this transition, 70% of the hardware from the EC-130H is being transferred to the new model while 30% undergoes upgrades.
Electronic warfare plays a crucial role in military operations by disrupting enemy access to equipment reliant on the electromagnetic spectrum (EMS). This capability is vital for intelligence gathering, communications, navigation, and more. "The EC-37B sustains Joint Force military advantage in the electromagnetic battlespace," states the Air Force Air Combat Command.