The EA-37B Compass Call is a significant modernization within the US Air Force's (USAF) airborne electronic warfare fleet.

It replaces the aging EC-130H Hercules with a more modern Gulfstream G550 business jet, in a move aimed to improve speed, range and operational ceiling.

The new platform can cruise roughly 40 percent faster than its predecessor and offers double the operational range.

It can operate at altitudes exceeding 40,000 feet (~12,200 meters), nearly 15,000 feet (~4,600 meters) higher than its predecessor.

These performance improvements allow the aircraft to reach mission areas more quickly and operate at stand-off distances from adversary countermeasures.

Electronic warfare measures

The EA-37B's primary role is electronic attack across the radio-frequency spectrum, designed to disrupt adversary communication, interfere with radar capabilities and complicate navigation and coordination.

It supports counter Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Targeting (C5ISRT) operations and assists with Suppression of Enemy Air Defense (SEAD) missions.

These actions help US, allied and partner aircraft operate in contested and hostile environments with reduced risk.

Enhancing digital signal processing capabilities allows the EA-37B to address more complex threat emissions than the legacy fleet could manage.

A key design feature is the aircraft's modular mission architecture; the system is built to field rapid upgrades as the threat environment evolves.

When compared to its predecessor, the G550 airframe provides greater size, power margins, enabling the integration of cutting-edge electronic attack equipment without major structural changes.

This approach is intended to keep the aircraft effective against the full spectrum of threat actors, including state, non-state and irregular threats.

Operational fielding, global deployment

As of early 2026, a series of EA-37Bs is assigned to the 55th Electronic Combat Group at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona.

The platform also completed its first tour in Europe with demonstration visits to Ramstein Air Base and Spangdahlem Air Base in January and February 2026.

Demonstrating its capabilities to NATO allies, this deployment followed a previous spate of engagements in the Indo-Pacific.

The tour focused on familiarizing allies and partners with the aircraft as it begins to take over more of the USAF's electronic warfare needs.

The USAF plans to procure a total of ten aircraft, with deliveries continuing through 2028. The extant availability of the G550 platform further bolsters availability.

In July 2025, the Italian Air Force became the first foreign customer, ordering two Compass Calls to complement its existing G550-based intelligence aircraft fleet.

Other NATO partners have their eye on the platform which could improve coalition electronic warfare coordination.

Internal demand may grow, as government analyses show the planned 10-aircraft fleet may not be enough for future threats, proposing an expansion to 20 aircrafts.