BAE Systems prepares EW upgrade for USAF
Computerised image of EC-37B. (Image: BAE Systems)
EC-37B aircraft replacing EC-130Hs in USAF service will include Compass Call Baseline 4.
The new EC-37B EW aircraft for the USAF will include the latest version of the Compass Call system from BAE Systems, the company announced on 1 December.
It added that Compass Call Baseline 4 is ‘a critical upgrade’ for the EC-37B and it is based on Small Adaptive Bank of Electronic Resources (SABER) technology from BAE Systems.
Using a suite of software-defined radios with an open system architecture, and integrating third-party applications, SABER transitions from a hardware to a software-based electromagnetic spectrum warfare capability on Compass Call.
BAE Systems has provided Compass Call for the EC-130H since 1981, to disrupt adversary C2 communications, radar, and navigation systems.
The EC-37B is based on the Gulfstream G550 commercial business jet. The EC-37B programme began in FY2017 with an estimated procurement cost of $1.45 billion for ten aircraft, although Shephard Defence Insight notes delays in the contracting phase.
There are 13 EC-130H aircraft in USAF service with an expected retirement date of 2025.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Digital Battlespace
-
![Babcock nears first customer for Nomad AI translation tool]()
Babcock nears first customer for Nomad AI translation tool
Nomad can provide militaries with real-time intelligence, saving critical time on the battlefield.
-
![AUSA 2025: Israel’s Asio Technologies to supply hundreds of improved Taurus tactical systems]()
AUSA 2025: Israel’s Asio Technologies to supply hundreds of improved Taurus tactical systems
Taurus operates alongside the Israel Defense Forces’ Orion system which supports mission management across tens of thousands of manoeuvring forces, from squad leaders to battalion commanders.
-
![AUSA 2025: Kopin pushes micro-LED plans as China moves faster]()
AUSA 2025: Kopin pushes micro-LED plans as China moves faster
The plan for the new displays follows fresh investment in Kopin’s European facilities by Theon and an order for head-up displays in fielded aircraft, with funding from the US Department of Defense.
-
![AUSA 2025: Persistent Systems to complete its largest order by year’s end]()
AUSA 2025: Persistent Systems to complete its largest order by year’s end
Persistent Systems received its largest ever single order for its MPU5 devices and other systems earlier this month and has already delivered the 50 units to the US Army’s 4th Infantry Division.
-
![Aselsan brings in dozens of companies and systems under the Steel Dome umbrella]()
Aselsan brings in dozens of companies and systems under the Steel Dome umbrella
Turkey has joined the family of countries attempting to establish a multilayered air defence system with government approval in August 2024 for the effort landed by Aselsan. Dubbed Steel Dome, the programme joins Israel’s Iron Dome, the US Golden Dome, India’s Mission Sudarshan Chakra and South Korea’s low-altitude missile defence system.
-
![DSEI 2025: MARSS unveils new agnostic multidomain C4 system]()
DSEI 2025: MARSS unveils new agnostic multidomain C4 system
MARSS’ NiDAR system has been deployed using sensors from static platforms to provide detection and protection for static sights, such as critical infrastructure, ports and military bases.
