U.S. Air Force’s Air Combat Command (ACC) received its first EA-37B Compass Call aircraft at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, on August 23, 2024. The delivery of aircraft 19-5591 marks the introduction of an advanced electronic warfare platform, upgrading from the legacy EC-130H. This new addition to ACC’s fleet brings enhanced electromagnetic attack capabilities to the U.S. Air Force, designed to meet evolving challenges in the electromagnetic spectrum.
The decision to transition to the EA-37B platform dates back to Oct. 23, 2018, when then-Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson approved ACC’s request to replace the EC-130H Compass Call aircraft operated by the 55th Electronic Combat Group (ECG) at Davis-Monthan AFB. This decision was driven by emerging threats in multiple theaters and rising sustainment costs of the legacy EC-130H platform.
The Air Force plans to procure up to 10 EA-37B aircraft, all of which will be assigned to Air Combat Command and operated by the 55th ECG. The group, comprising two operational squadrons (41st and 43rd Electronic Combat Squadron), a formal training unit (42nd ECS), the 755th Operations Support Squadron, and the 755th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, is a tenant unit of the 355th Wing at Davis-Monthan AFB. Despite its location, the 55th ECG reports to the 55th Wing at Offutt AFB, Nebraska.
Gen. Ken Wilsbach, commander of Air Combat Command, personally flew the aircraft to its new home, underscoring the importance of this delivery.
The new platform boasts significant improvements over its predecessor, including increased range, speed, and agility. These enhancements are crucial for maintaining military advantage in the electromagnetic battlespace, particularly in the context of Great Power Competition. Lt. Gen. Thomas Hensley, 16th Air Force commander, emphasized the aircraft’s role in countering adversaries’ long-range kill chain ecosystems and anti-access area denial capabilities.
Designed as a wide-area airborne electromagnetic attack weapon system, the EA-37B is tasked with denying, degrading, and disrupting enemy communications, radar systems, and radio-controlled threats. Its advanced capabilities extend to offensive counter-information operations, supporting U.S. and coalition forces across various domains.
The transition from the EC-130H to the EA-37B represents a strategic move towards a more modern and cost-effective platform. To date, nine of the fourteen EC-130H aircraft have been divested, with the EA-37B slated to fully replace the legacy fleet.
Col. Mark Howard, 55th Wing commander, highlighted the combat credibility of the new threat, stating that the EA-37B’s enhanced performance will enable aircrews to make real-time, adaptive decisions crucial for airpower projection.
The arrival of the EA-37B at Davis-Monthan AFB also signifies a new era for the base, which has been home to electronic warfare assets since the early 1980s. Col. Scott Mills, 355th Wing commander, noted that this delivery, along with the stand-up of the 11th Air Task Force, positions the base to effectively counter emerging threats.
Maintenance of the EA-37B will be handled by the Contractor Logistics Support Aircraft Maintenance team at Davis-Monthan AFB, ensuring the platform’s readiness for worldwide contingency operations.
ACC expects to receive a second EA-37B for training purposes at Davis-Monthan AFB by the end of 2024, further solidifying the Air Force’s commitment to modernizing its electronic warfare capabilities.
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