The U.S. tested a new EA-37B Compass Call electronic warfare aircraft during an operation in Iran
The U.S. Air Force’s new EA-37B Compass Call electronic warfare aircraft took part in its first combat operation in Iran, where it demonstrated its ability to effectively jam enemy communications and radar systems.
According to the U.S. military, the aircraft successfully passed its so-called baptism of fire, confirming its effectiveness in the real-world conditions of modern conflict.
In light of this successful deployment, the U.S. Air Force has requested $660 million in funding to purchase three more of these aircraft in 2027. This would increase the total fleet to 10 units.
At the same time, some experts and lawmakers are pushing for a significant expansion of the program and an increase in the number of aircraft to at least 22, citing the growing role of electronic warfare in modern conflicts.
Analytical simulations, including a study by the Mitchell Institute examining a potential conflict with China in 2035, indicate that the current fleet of EA-37Bs is insufficient. According to their findings, the limited number of such aircraft could force the command to deploy them too early in combat operations, increasing the risk of losses and reducing the overall effectiveness of operations.
The EA-37B is based on the Gulfstream G550 business jet and replaced the previous EC-130H platform. The new design provides higher speed, greater flight altitude, and lower operating costs.
Thanks to the combination of modern electronic warfare systems and a new aircraft platform, the EA-37B is viewed as one of the key elements of future combat operations, where control of the electromagnetic spectrum plays a decisive role.
As a reminder, the Trump administration, in coordination with Israel, is discussing the possibility of sending special forces into Iranian territory to seize or neutralize stockpiles of enriched uranium.
