BAE Systems and L3Harris are currently halfway through the delivery of the U.S. Air Force’s planned fleet of 10 EA-37B Compass Call aircraft, with the final five expected to be delivered in 2027 and 2028. These companies serve as co-prime contractors for the next-generation electronic warfare aircraft.
During a recent press call, officials from BAE and L3Harris expressed optimism about the growing market potential for Compass Calls, projecting an increase in orders from both the U.S. Air Force and international customers. The EA-37B is based on a heavily modified Gulfstream G550 business jet, equipped with advanced electronic warfare technology to jam enemy communications, radar, and navigation signals. This capability also includes neutralizing roadside bombs remotely and disrupting enemy air defenses.
The EA-37B is set to replace the antiquated EC-130H Compass Calls, which were extensively utilized during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. In 2017, the Air Force had 15 EC-130Hs, but this number dwindled to four by 2024, indicating a significant reduction. The new EA-37B is anticipated to have enhanced performance capabilities, flying 40% faster than its predecessor, covering twice the range, and operating at altitudes nearly 15,000 feet higher.
The increasing sophistication of adversaries necessitates the presence of advanced electronic warfare aircraft like the Compass Call, as stated by L3 and BAE officials. Dave Harrold, BAE’s vice president, noted that modern battlefield environments are complex, requiring the ability to address multiple threats simultaneously.
On October 2024, the U.S. State Department approved a $680 million sale of Compass Call aircraft to Italy, reinforcing the aircraft’s international market appeal. Jason Lambert, president of L3Harris’s intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance division, mentioned that other international partners have shown interest in acquiring their own Compass Calls, which would enhance interoperability with U.S. and NATO forces.
Despite the planned fleet of 10 being considered modest against projected threats, there is a consensus among officials that increasing the fleet size to 20 may be necessary. BAE, L3Harris, and Gulfstream have proposed four additional aircraft, with the first two being requested in the Air Force’s unfunded priorities list for 2026.
The use of the G550 as the basis for the Compass Call is expected to simplify maintenance and operational readiness, given the extensive existing fleet and support network for G550 jets. BAE is responsible for the electronic attack systems, while L3Harris oversees the conversion of G550s into Compass Calls and the integration of the various systems at its facility in Waco, Texas.
Currently, modifications to the outer mold lines of the final five aircraft are underway at Gulfstream’s facility in Savannah, Georgia. The sixth Compass Call is anticipated to move to L3Harris for further work in the second quarter of 2025. The seventh and eighth aircraft are due for delivery in 2027, with the final two following in 2028.
The first two EA-37Bs have already been delivered to the Air Force and are undergoing testing. The third aircraft arrived at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, in August 2024, where it is undergoing pilot training. The process for the fourth Compass Call is also in progress at the same base, while the fifth aircraft is within the upgrade phase following its delivery.
Stephen Losey, the air warfare reporter for Defense News, has a background covering military operations and personnel issues within various platforms such as Air Force Times and Military.com.
