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The U.S. Air Force has started showing its new EA-37B Compass Call to units and NATO partners in Europe. The jet landed in Germany for a scheduled tour that highlights its electronic warfare role and future use in coalition missions.
Showcase Not Linked To Current Conflicts
Online speculation suggested the aircraft might head to the Middle East. The Air Force said the trip is only a demonstration tour. The service also said the aircraft remains in training and testing. It has not entered full operations yet.
New Jet Replaces EC-130H Compass Call
The EA-37B is based on the Gulfstream G550 business jet. It uses side-mounted fairings first seen on conformal airborne early warning aircraft. The new jet will replace the older EC-130H Compass Call. Only four EC-130H turboprops remain in service. The Air Force plans to buy ten EA-37Bs for the replacement program.
Electronic Warfare And Support Roles
The EA-37B provides stand-off jamming against enemy radars and communications networks. It can also detect, locate and track electronic emissions. These features give the aircraft an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance role. Many of the systems come from the EC-130H, which explains why both jets share the Compass Call name.
Higher Altitude And Longer Reach
The G550 airframe flies higher and faster than the EC-130H. The Air Force says this allows the EA-37B to cover more area and support joint and allied forces over longer distances.
Compass Call Proven In Recent Missions
Compass Call aircraft supported recent operations that pressured Venezuelan forces. Earlier EC-130H deployments also backed missions in Afghanistan, Iraq and the broader Middle East between 2001 and 2021. The platform has supported raids, counterterrorism missions and special operations.
Purpose Of The European Visit
The European tour introduces the EA-37B to units that may work with it in the future. The Air Force carried out similar tours in Asia last year. These visits help allies prepare for networked electronic warfare missions and shared training.
