WASHINGTON — The Air Force has formally retired the EC-130H Compass Call, concluding over 40 years of operations for this electronic attack aircraft. The retirement was marked by a ceremony on September 18 at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona, where the aircraft executed its final operational taxi.
The EC-130H, a modified version of Lockheed Martin’s C-130 turboprop, was equipped with electronic attack systems developed by BAE Systems and L3Harris. It entered service in 1983, primarily designed to disrupt enemy communications and jam radar systems. Notably, the aircraft was involved in initial combat operations against Iran earlier this year during Operation Epic Fury.
The Air Force is replacing the EC-130H with the EA-37B, which will also carry the Compass Call designation. The EA-37B is based on the Gulfstream G550 business jet and will incorporate advanced technology from BAE Systems, integrated by L3Harris. “We are retiring the EC-130; we are not retiring Compass Call,” stated Col. Aaron Gray, commander of the 55th Wing at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska. “The mission continues with the EA-37B.”
Capabilities of the EA-37B
The new Compass Call is expected to operate at twice the altitude and double the speed of its predecessor, utilizing more powerful systems to counter adversaries effectively. The first EA-37B aircraft was delivered in August 2024, and the Air Force plans to expand the fleet to 22 aircraft, addressing previous uncertainties regarding its size.
Italy has already signed on as the first export customer for the EA-37B, highlighting the international interest in advanced electronic warfare capabilities.
Importance of Electronic Warfare
Advanced electronic warfare is increasingly critical in modern military operations, especially in conflicts against peer adversaries like China. The Air Force’s transition to the EA-37B underscores the importance of both offensive and defensive technologies in the electromagnetic spectrum. The Navy also operates a dedicated airborne electronic attack platform, the EA-18G Growler, further emphasizing the strategic focus on electronic warfare capabilities.
For more details, visit breakingdefense.com.
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