Defense & Military
USAF Deploys EA-37B Compass Call to Modernize Electronic Warfare
The USAF’s EA-37B, replacing the EC-130H, enhances electronic attack capabilities with advanced speed and range, developed by BAE Systems and L3Harris.
The United States Air Force (USAF) has taken a significant step forward in modernizing its electronic warfare capabilities with the successful first training sortie of the EA-37B Compass Call. Conducted in early May 2025 by the 43rd Electronic Combat Squadron at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona, this sortie marks a pivotal milestone in the transition from the aging EC-130H fleet to a new generation of electronic attack aircraft.
Built on a heavily modified Gulfstream G550 business jet platform, the EA-37B is designed to disrupt enemy communications, radar, and command and control networks. This modernization comes at a time when electronic warfare is becoming increasingly central to maintaining air superiority and operational success in contested environments. The EA-37B’s debut reflects years of coordination between defense contractors, Air Force personnel, and strategic planners.
As adversaries develop more advanced air defense systems and electronic countermeasures, the need for faster, more agile, and more survivable platforms has become paramount. The EA-37B promises to deliver on these requirements, offering enhanced speed, range, and altitude capabilities, while integrating next-generation electronic warfare systems.
The EC-130H Compass Call has been a cornerstone of the USAF’s electronic warfare fleet since the 1980s. Based on the Lockheed C-130 Hercules airframe, it was developed to jam enemy communications and radar, playing a critical role during conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. However, the platform’s age and limitations in speed, range, and survivability have increasingly hindered its effectiveness in modern combat scenarios.
With some airframes dating back to the Vietnam War, the EC-130H’s operational lifespan has reached its limit. The USAF has already retired nine of its 14 EC-130Hs, underscoring the urgency of transitioning to a more capable platform. The need for a replacement that could integrate with modern joint force operations and provide enhanced mission effectiveness led to the development of the EA-37B.
The EC-130H’s contributions to electronic warfare are undeniable, but the threat landscape has evolved. Adversaries now employ more sophisticated integrated air defense systems (IADS), requiring aircraft that can operate with greater stealth, speed, and agility, all areas where the EA-37B is expected to excel.
“The EA-37B mission culminates years of planning and coordination between thousands of people spanning many organizations,” Lt. Col. Tray Wood, Commander, 43rd Electronic Combat Squadron The EA-37B is built on the Gulfstream G550, a commercial business jet known for its speed, altitude performance, and advanced avionics. This choice reflects a growing defense trend of adapting commercial airframes for military roles to reduce costs and improve maintainability. The aircraft is equipped with classified electronic attack systems capable of jamming enemy communications, radar, and navigation signals.
In addition to offensive capabilities, the EA-37B can also disrupt enemy air defense networks and defuse roadside bombs remotely. These features enable U.S. and allied aircraft to penetrate deeper into contested airspace with reduced risk. Compared to the EC-130H, the EA-37B flies nearly twice as fast, has double the range, and can operate at,000,000,000 feet higher. Production of the EA-37B is a collaborative effort between BAE Systems and L3Harris. BAE is responsible for the electronic warfare systems, while L3Harris integrates these systems into the modified G550 airframes at its Waco, Texas facility. Gulfstream, the original manufacturer of the G550, modifies the aircraft’s external design to accommodate the new technologies at its facility in Savannah, Georgia.
The EA-37B is more than just a replacement aircraft, it is a strategic asset designed to ensure U.S. dominance in the electromagnetic spectrum. As the nature of warfare shifts towards information and network-centric operations, electronic attack capabilities will play a central role in disrupting enemy situational awareness and command structures.
Lt. Col. Jesse Szweda, Director of Operations for the 43rd Squadron, emphasized that the EA-37B and its supporting personnel represent “the most recent evolution in a long history of electromagnetic spectrum dominance.” This evolution aligns with the Department of Defense’s broader modernization goals, which include integrating artificial intelligence, machine learning, and autonomous systems into future combat operations.
Looking ahead, the USAF expects to receive all ten EA-37Bs by 2028, with the first delivered in August 2024. As training progresses and operational capabilities are validated, the fleet will gradually assume the mission set currently held by the EC-130H, ensuring a seamless transition and uninterrupted electronic warfare support.
The first training sortie of the EA-37B Compass Call represents a critical inflection point in the USAF’s electronic warfare modernization. By transitioning from the aging EC-130H to a faster, more capable, and more survivable platform, the Air Force is positioning itself to counter emerging threats in increasingly contested environments.
This milestone reflects not only technological progress but also the successful collaboration between industry and government. As the EA-37B moves toward full operational capability, it will provide the U.S. and its allies with a decisive edge in the electromagnetic battlespace, a domain that is rapidly becoming as critical as land, sea, air, and space.
What is the EA-37B Compass Call? How does the EA-37B differ from the EC-130H? Who are the manufacturers of the EA-37B? When will the EA-37B be fully operational? Why is electronic warfare important? Sources: U.S. Air Force, L3Harris, Defense News
First Flight of the EA-37B Compass Call: A New Era in Electronic Warfare
Modernizing the Compass Call: From EC-130H to EA-37B
The Legacy of the EC-130H
The EA-37B Platform and Capabilities
Strategic Importance and Future Role
Conclusion
FAQ
The EA-37B is a next-generation electronic attack aircraft based on the Gulfstream G550, designed to replace the EC-130H Compass Call. It disrupts enemy communications, radar, and command networks.
The EA-37B is faster, has double the range, can fly higher, and is built on a modern airframe. It also integrates more advanced electronic warfare systems.
BAE Systems and L3Harris are co-prime contractors. BAE develops the electronic warfare systems, and L3Harris integrates them into the G550 airframe.
The USAF plans to receive all ten aircraft by 2028. Training and testing are currently underway to reach full operational capability.
Electronic warfare is essential for disrupting enemy communications and radar, enabling safer and more effective operations in contested environments.
Photo Credit: AFmil
Defense & Military
Sabena technics wins 10-year contract for Franco-German C-130J fleet support
Sabena technics secured a 10-year CAROLUS contract to provide maintenance and operational support for the Franco-German C-130J Super Hercules fleet.
This article is based on an official press release from Sabena technics and additional data regarding the Franco-German defense cooperation.
The French Air Force Maintenance Directorate (DMAé) has awarded a major 10-year contract to Sabena technics for the comprehensive support of the Franco-German C-130J Super Hercules fleet. Announced officially in January 2026, the contract, designated “CAROLUS”, marks a significant milestone in European defense integration, consolidating maintenance for a unique binational squadron under a single industrial provider.
According to the official press release from Sabena technics, the agreement covers the entire fleet of 10 aircraft operated by the Binational Air Transport Squadron (BATS) stationed at Évreux-Fauville Air Base 105 in Normandy. The deal encompasses heavy maintenance, logistics, and on-site operational support, ensuring high availability for the critical tactical airlift capabilities shared by France and Germany.
This award reinforces Sabena technics’ standing in the military Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) sector. The company already supports the French Air-Forces‘s legacy C-130H fleet, and this new contract extends their responsibility to the modern J-model variant through 2036.
The CAROLUS contract (Combined Aircraft Repair and Operational Long-term Unified Support) represents a shift toward “verticalized” support contracts favored by the DMAé. Rather than splitting responsibilities among multiple vendors, Sabena technics will act as the prime contractor for a wide array of services designed to maximize fleet readiness.
Key elements of the contract include:
To execute this contract effectively, Sabena technics has solidified partnerships with key Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), including Lockheed Martin, Rolls-Royce (engines), and Dowty (propellers). These agreements ensure access to proprietary technical data and certified parts, a critical factor for maintaining the advanced C-130J platform.
The contract supports the “Rhin/Rhein” squadron, a pioneering unit in European defense. Unlike traditional alliances where nations maintain separate logistics, BATS operates as a fully integrated unit with mixed French and German crews flying aircraft from both nations indiscriminately.
The fleet consists of 10 Lockheed Martin aircraft: The C-130J-30 provides extended fuselage cargo capacity, while the KC-130J variant adds aerial refueling capabilities for helicopters and fighter jets. This fleet fills a capability gap left by the retirement of the C-160 Transall, supporting special forces and humanitarian missions across the globe.
Hervé Grandjean, who was appointed CEO of Sabena technics effective January 1, 2025, highlighted the strategic importance of this win. In the company’s press statement, Grandjean emphasized the scale of the commitment.
This 10-year contract is one of the largest military contracts won by Sabena technics… [it] confirms its strategic position in supporting military transport fleets.
, Hervé Grandjean, CEO of Sabena technics
The award of the CAROLUS contract to a single provider for a binational fleet is a practical case study in European defense interoperability. Historically, cross-border military cooperation has been hampered by divergent supply chains and maintenance standards. By utilizing the French DMAé as the contracting authority for both nations, France and Germany have successfully streamlined the administrative and industrial burden.
For Sabena technics, this contract serves as a validation of the “Global Support” model. The move to place significant industrial resources directly on a military base (Évreux) mirrors trends seen in the commercial sector, where minimizing aircraft downtime is the primary metric of success. If successful, the BATS support model could serve as a blueprint for future European defense projects, such as the Future Combat Air System (FCAS).
What is the duration of the CAROLUS contract? Where will the maintenance be performed? How many aircraft are included in the contract? Who are the key industrial partners?
Sabena technics Secured for 10-Year Support of Franco-German C-130J Fleet
The CAROLUS Contract: Scope and Specifications
Supporting the Binational Air Transport Squadron (BATS)
Leadership Perspective
AirPro News Analysis
Consolidation of European Defense Logistics
Frequently Asked Questions
The contract runs for 10 years, from 2026 to 2036.
Heavy maintenance will take place at Sabena technics’ Bordeaux-Mérignac facility, while operational support and logistics will be handled on-site at Évreux Air Base 105.
The contract covers 10 aircraft: 4 French and 6 German C-130J Super Hercules.
Sabena technics is the prime contractor, working in partnership with Lockheed Martin, Rolls-Royce, and Dowty.Sources
Photo Credit: Sabena technics
Defense & Military
Trust Automation Wins $490M USAF Contract for Counter-Drone Systems
Trust Automation secures a $490 million USAF contract to develop and deliver counter-drone systems including SUADS and GAT jammer technologies through 2030.
This article is based on official contracts announcements from the U.S. Department of Defense and Trust Automation, Inc.
The U.S. Air Force has awarded Trust Automation, Inc., a woman-owned small business based in San Luis Obispo, California, a significant $490 million Indefinite-Delivery/Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) contract. According to the Department of Defense announcement, the agreement focuses on the rapid research, development, and production of counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS), specifically designed to neutralize small to medium-sized drones threats.
The sole-source contract, issued by the Air-Forces Research Laboratory (AFRL) in Rome, New York, extends through August 20, 2030. It positions Trust Automation as a central partner in the military’s effort to defend bases and deployed personnel against the proliferation of Group 1 and Group 2 drones. As noted in the award details, approximately $20.3 million has been obligated immediately for the initial task order.
The agreement tasks Trust Automation with the prototyping, demonstration, and transition of advanced C-UAS capabilities. According to company product information and contract specifications, the work centers on two primary technologies: the Small-Unmanned Air Defense System (SUADS) and the GAT UAS Jammer.
Trust Automation describes SUADS as a layered, modular defense architecture. It is configurable for both fixed-site defense, such as protecting airfields, and rapid deployment in mobile combat units. The system targets Group 1 (hand-launched, under 20 lbs) and Group 2 (21–55 lbs) unmanned aerial systems.
Technical data indicates the system likely employs Radio Frequency (RF) detection and electronic warfare jamming to sever the connection between a drone and its operator. The design is described as “government collaborated,” suggesting it was developed in close partnership with Air Force laboratories to ensure seamless integration into existing command-and-control networks.
The contract also encompasses the GAT UAS Jammer, a tactical electronic warfare device designed for individual soldiers. According to technical specifications, the device is compact (6″ x 3.2″), weighs less than one pound, and mounts to standard NATO accessory rails on a rifle.
The GAT system provides immediate “point defense” capabilities by jamming command and control signals in the 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz bands. Additionally, it disrupts Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals, forcing hostile drones to hover, land, or return to their launch point. The system is powered by standard CR123 batteries and is effective beyond the operator’s line of sight. The Strategic Value of Sole-Source Acquisition Addressing the Asymmetric Threat Market Positioning Sources: U.S. Department of Defense, Trust Automation, Inc., Defence Industry Europe
Trust Automation Secures $490 Million USAF Contract for Counter-Drone Systems
Contract Scope and Technical Specifications
Small-Unmanned Air Defense System (SUADS)
GAT (Ghoul-Tool Attachable Transmitter) Jammer
AirPro News Analysis
The designation of this award as a “sole source” contract is significant. In federal procurement, this typically indicates that the vendor possesses unique proprietary technology or is scaling a solution previously validated under programs like Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grants. By bypassing a lengthy open bidding process, the Air Force signals an urgent need to field these specific capabilities immediately.
This contract directly addresses the “base defense gap” highlighted by recent conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. Cheap commercial drones, costing as little as $500, have proven capable of destroying multi-million dollar assets. The Air Force’s investment in Trust Automation’s electronic warfare solutions, rather than purely kinetic interceptors, reflects a shift toward cost-effective, low-collateral countermeasures suitable for populated areas or forward operating bases.
While the C-UAS market includes major competitors like Anduril Industries and RTX (Raytheon), Trust Automation has carved out a specific niche in RF-based neutralization. Unlike kinetic systems that physically destroy drones and create debris hazards, the electronic warfare approach offered by SUADS and GAT allows for “silent” neutralization, a critical capability for defending sensitive infrastructure.
Sources
Photo Credit: Trust Automation
Defense & Military
RTX Joins AIAA as Corporate Partner to Boost Aerospace Innovation
RTX elevates its partnership with AIAA to Corporate Partner level, enhancing industry collaboration and workforce development amid major contract wins.
This article is based on an official press release from AIAA.
RTX, the world’s largest aerospace and defense company, has officially elevated its relationship with the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) to the Corporate Partner level. The announcement was made today, January 15, 2026, at the AIAA SciTech Forum in Orlando, Florida, the world’s largest event for aerospace research and development.
By securing this designation, RTX joins an exclusive tier of engagement previously occupied only by Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman. The partnership unifies RTX’s three major business units, Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon, under a single strategic umbrella within the institute. According to the announcement, this move is designed to accelerate innovation and deepen the company’s connection with the aerospace engineering workforce.
The “Corporate Partner” status is the highest level of support within the AIAA, distinct from standard corporate membership. According to institute documentation, this tier grants RTX executive representation on the Corporate Member Strategic Advisory Committee. This position allows the company to help shape technical initiatives and engage directly with leadership from the Department of Defense (DoD), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and NASA.
Clay Mowry, CEO of AIAA, emphasized the significance of RTX’s elevated role in a statement released today:
“We’re proud to welcome RTX to the ranks of our Corporate Partners… RTX is a world-class provider of transformational aerospace technologies… Their storied history of innovation… make us proud to elevate them to the Corporate Partner tier.”
The partnership also focuses heavily on workforce development. With access to AIAA’s network of over 33,000 professional and student members, RTX aims to leverage “Meet the Employer” events and priority branding at major forums to support its recruitment efforts.
The timing of this partnership aligns with a period of significant expansion for RTX. Data from late 2025 indicates the company is managing a record backlog of approximately $236 billion. To meet these deliveries targets, the company is in a production ramp-up phase that requires a steady pipeline of engineering talent.
Juan de Bedout, Chief Technology Officer of RTX and an AIAA Fellow, highlighted the collaborative potential of the new agreement: “This collaboration will drive innovation, accelerate advancements in the aviation industry, and inspire the next generation of engineers by uniting the resources and expertise of the largest aerospace and defense company with the vast knowledge base and professional network of the largest aerospace professional organization.”
RTX is currently projecting an annual research and development spend of approximately $7.5 billion for the 2025/2026 period. The company is heavily investing in hypersonics, artificial intelligence, and sustainable aviation, areas where AIAA technical committees play a critical role in defining standards.
The push for technical talent follows a series of major contract wins for RTX in late 2025 and early 2026. These include:
We view this elevation as a strategic necessity for RTX rather than a mere sponsorship. As the aerospace labor market remains tight through 2026, major primes are competing aggressively for specialized engineering talent. By locking in “Corporate Partner” status, RTX ensures it has equal footing with Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman in accessing the AIAA’s talent pool.
Furthermore, with RTX’s massive R&D budget focused on emerging technologies like hypersonics and AI, having a seat on the AIAA Strategic Advisory Committee allows the company to influence the technical standards and regulatory frameworks that will govern these technologies in the coming decade.
Sources: AIAA Press Release, RTX Corporate Reports
RTX Elevates Engagement with AIAA to Corporate Partner Level
Strategic Alignment and Industry Impact
Context: Production Ramps and R&D Focus
Recent Contract Awards
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: AIAA
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