A US Air Force EA-37B Compass Call aircraft has made its debut at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, marking a significant advancement in electronic warfare capabilities within the European theater. The aircraft, part of the 55th Electronic Combat Group stationed at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona, arrived on January 26 as part of a planned European roadshow aimed at enhancing operational integration with allied forces.
As part of this tour, the EA-37B is scheduled to visit additional sites, including Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany and RAF Mildenhall in the UK. The primary objective of these visits, according to US Air Forces in Europe (USAFE), is to familiarize airmen and NATO partners with this cutting-edge electronic warfare platform, which is set to replace the legacy EC-130H Compass Call that has been in service since the early 1980s.
The transition to the EA-37B comes as part of a broader initiative by the Air Force to modernize its electronic warfare capabilities. This modernization effort is critical as potential adversaries continue to enhance their communications, navigation, and sensor networks, underscoring the need for advanced electronic countermeasures.
The EA-37B, based on the Gulfstream G550 business jet design, boasts significant improvements over its predecessor, including enhanced range, speed, and reliability. It is equipped with a state-of-the-art electronic attack mission system developed through the Compass Call rehost program. This advanced platform plays a vital role in disrupting and degrading enemy command-and-control systems, communications, and radar, thereby supporting joint and coalition military operations.
Prior to its European tour, the EA-37B conducted similar roadshows in the Indo-Pacific region, focusing on crew training and integrating the aircraft into operational planning. The ongoing European visits are particularly relevant in light of NATO’s heightened emphasis on contested electromagnetic environments and deterrence strategies, especially in response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
USAFE has indicated that the EA-37B will continue its roadshow to additional locations before returning to the United States. Meanwhile, the existing fleet of EC-130H aircraft is set to be gradually retired as the EA-37B steps into full operational duties, with initial operational capability anticipated as additional aircraft and trained crews become available.
