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 Mayor of Iwakuni, Yoshihiko Fukuda, has agreed to the U.S. Navy’s deployment of CMV-22 Osprey aircraft at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, marking the first stationing of this tilt-rotor variant in his city. The decision aligns with a broader realignment of U.S. military assets in the region, which includes the rotation of aircraft carriers and the introduction of F-35C stealth fighter jets. This deployment will add to the existing Osprey presence in Japan, complementing the Marine Corps’ MV-22s at Futenma air base in Okinawa and the Air Force’s CV-22s operating from Yokota base near Tokyo.
Kadena Air Base in Japan continued its ongoing F-15C Eagle divestment plan with the departure of four aircraft on Aug. 24. This event marks another milestone in the transition to F-15EX Eagle IIs. The final flight date for the remaining F-15Cs at Kadena remains undetermined, though the process is well underway.
The 68th Electronic Warfare Squadron (EWS) recently collaborated with Danish and Norwegian counterparts to upgrade F-16s destined for Ukraine. The squadron’s expertise was critical in reprogramming the aircraft’s electronic warfare (EW) subsystems to counter evolving Russian threats in the electromagnetic spectrum.
The B-2 Spirit bomber returned to Edwards Air Force Base on Jul. 17, marking 35 years since its inaugural flight there. The aircraft, known as the Spirit of Pennsylvania, arrived to undergo critical testing and technological enhancements.