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 legacy-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 for Baseline 3 development and operational testing Sept. 12, 2023, prior to initial crew training sorties starting May 2, 2025. Initial operational testing was completed in July 2025, and FY26 efforts focus on completing developmental and operational testing, continued SWORD-A and Baseline 4 development, and defining baseline 5 to improve connectivity. Baseline 4 upgrades planned for 2026 to coincide with IOC risk slipping 10 months due to obsolescence and evolving mission requirements.
ACC took delivery of the first of two operational aircraft at Davis-Monthan on Aug. 23, 2024. A total of five aircraft have been delivered, with an additional five planned through 2028. Congress added two additional aircraft in FY26, which will return the fleet to 12 aircraft, as originally planned.
EA-37B Compass Call Technical Data
Contractors: Gulfstream Aerospace (airframe); BAE Systems; L3 Harris (mission equipment).
First Flight: Aug. 25, 2021.
Delivered: Sept. 12, 2023-present.
IOC: 2026 (planned).
Production: 10 (planned).
Inventory: Four.
Operator: ACC.
Aircraft Location: Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz.; Edwards AFB, Calif.
Active Variants: •EA-37B. Military Electronic Attack special-mission variant of the Gulfstream G550.
Dimensions: Span 93.5 ft, length 96.4 ft, height 25.8 ft.
Weight: Max T-O 91,000 lb.
Power Plant: Two BR710C4-11 turbofans, each 15,385 lb thrust.
Performance: Speed 629 mph, range 4,410 miles.
Ceiling: 45,000 ft.
Accommodation: Two pilots; mission crew: two EWOs, mission crew supervisor (cryptologic), two cryptologic linguists, acquisition operator, and airborne maintenance technician.