The EA-37B is a next-generation, tactical jamming platform tasked with disruption of enemy C3, radar, and navigation. It will also offer offensive
counterinformation, EA, and SEAD support.
The aircraft is based on the ultra-long-range Gulfstream G550 business aircraft and adapted from the Navy’s special mission configuration. 
USAF awarded L3 Technologies a contract on Sept. 7, 2017, to replace the EC-130H in the tactical EA role and transport its “Compass Call” systems to a more modern aircraft.
The program, originally dubbed “EC-X” is “rehosting” upgraded EC-130H
mission equipment directly to the EA-37 with nearly 70 percent remaining unchanged.
Redesignated from EC-37B to EA-37B in November 2023, the aircraft is faster, more economical, capable of higher altitude operations, and is more survivable than the EC-130H. Upgrades will allow it to conduct standoff jamming/EA from greater distances for attacks against A2/AD targets.
The first aircraft was purchased in FY17, and Congress accelerated the program in FY19, completing procurement of the 10-aircraft fleet this year. The first five aircraft are receiving the EC-130H’s upgraded Baseline 3 package, including Advanced Radar Countermeasure System (ARCS) and other significant capability enhancements.
The EA-37 will not receive comparable low-band capability until Baseline 4, which debuts on the sixth airframe. Baseline 4 will add System-Wide Open Reconfigurable Dynamic Architecture (SWORD-A) to enable rapid future upgrades. BAE Systems and L3 Harris delivered the first EA-37B to begin combined Baseline 3 development and operational testing Sept. 12, 2023, paving the way for initial crew training.
FY25 efforts focus on completing developmental and operational testing and continued development of SWORD-A. The fleet will begin upgrade to Baseline 4 starting in 2026, coinciding with planned IOC. ACC took delivery of the first operational aircraft at DavisMonthan on Aug. 23, 2024.
EA-37B Compass Call Technical Data
Contractors: Gulfstream Aerospace (airframe); BAE Systems; L3 Harris (mission equipment).
First Flight: N/A.
Delivered: Sept 12, 2023 - Present
IOC: 2026 (planned).
Production: Four (two currently in modification).
Inventory: One.
Operator: ACC.
Aircraft Location: Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz. (planned).
Active Variants: •EC-37B. Military Electronic Attack version of the Gulfstream G550.
Dimensions: Span 93.5 ft, length 96.4 ft, height 25.8 ft.
Weight: Max T-O 90,500 lb.
Power Plant: Two BR710C4-11 turbofans, each 15,385 lb thrust.
Performance: Speed 600 mph, range 6,300 miles.
Ceiling: 51,000 ft.
Accommodation: Two pilots, TBD.
