L3Harris Secures $300 Million Contract for Italian Air Force Electronic Attack Aircraft

The Italian Air Force is set to significantly enhance its electronic warfare capabilities through a $300 million contract awarded to L3Harris Technologies for the modification of two Gulfstream G550 business jets into advanced electronic attack (EA) platforms. This marks the first Foreign Military Sales success for the EA-37B Compass Call system, aligning Italy’s capabilities with the U.S. Air Force’s next-generation electromagnetic warfare assets. The modified aircraft will disrupt enemy command-and-control networks, communications, radars, and navigation systems from extended ranges, providing Italy with long-range jamming capabilities that complement existing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) assets. This acquisition reflects broader NATO efforts to counter peer adversaries in contested electromagnetic spectrums while enhancing coalition interoperability.

Historical Development of Airborne Electronic Attack Capabilities

Evolution from Legacy Platforms

Airborne electronic attack has undergone transformative shifts since the Cold War, transitioning from propeller-driven platforms like the EC-130H Compass Call to jet-powered systems offering superior speed, altitude, and survivability. The EC-130H, operational since the early 1980s, provided foundational electronic warfare capabilities but faced limitations in modern threat environments due to airframe age and technological constraints. This drove the U.S. Air Force’s development of the EA-37B Compass Call, a Gulfstream G550 derivative featuring advanced digital signal processing, open-system architecture, and reduced operating costs.

The EA-37B addresses the need for a more agile, survivable, and upgradeable platform capable of operating in contested environments. It represents a significant leap in capability, allowing for real-time reprogramming of mission profiles and integration with joint and coalition forces.

Italy’s decision to adopt this platform reflects a broader shift among NATO allies to modernize their electronic warfare fleets in response to evolving threats in the electromagnetic spectrum.

The Gulfstream G550 in Military Applications

The Gulfstream G550 business jet platform offers distinct advantages for electronic warfare conversions, including exceptional range, high-altitude performance, and airframe stability for sensor integration. Israel pioneered military applications through the G550 CAEW (Conformal Airborne Early Warning) variant, which informed subsequent U.S. and Italian developments.

Structural modifications include conformal antenna arrays mounted laterally along the fuselage, radomes for sensor protection, and reinforced racks for mission equipment, adaptations that preserve aerodynamic efficiency while accommodating electronic warfare payloads. The airframe’s modular design enables rapid reconfiguration for emerging threats, a critical factor in Italy’s selection of this platform.

Italy has already integrated the G550 into its fleet through the E-550A AEW&C and JAMMS variants, establishing a foundation of operational familiarity and logistical support that supports the expansion into electronic attack roles.

Contract Architecture and Industrial Partnerships

$300 Million Base Contract Scope

L3Harris Technologies’ $300 million contract covers comprehensive modification of two “green” Gulfstream G550 airframes into dedicated electronic attack platforms. Work includes installation of the EA-37B mission system, structural enhancements for antenna integration, and testing/validation procedures. Gulfstream Aerospace performs initial airframe modifications, including sensor housing installation, before delivery to L3Harris’ Greenville, Texas facility for mission systems integration.

The program follows a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) framework administered by the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency. Delivery timelines align with Italy’s broader G550 fleet modernization, targeting operational capability by 2027.

This contract is part of a larger modernization initiative, with potential expansions depending on operational outcomes and future defense planning within the Italian Ministry of Defense.

Subcontractor Ecosystem and BAE Systems’ Role

A critical subcontract involves BAE Systems’ $12 million agreement with L3Harris to provide modification hardware including racks, radomes, cables, and harnesses for the two aircraft. This collaboration leverages BAE’s expertise in electronic warfare systems, particularly the Compass Call mission suite adapted from U.S. Air Force configurations.

BAE Systems provides key components that ensure the Italian EA-37Bs maintain interoperability with U.S. systems, allowing for shared logistics, training, and operational doctrine. This is especially important given NATO’s emphasis on coalition warfare and joint operations.

According to Cory Casalegno, BAE Systems’ director for Coalition Electronic Attack, the program “broadens the strength of the global allied fleet and supports the mission of the U.S. Air Force.”

“Providing high-powered, long-range jamming capabilities to an important U.S. ally broadens the strength of the global allied fleet and supports the mission of the U.S. Air Force.” — Cory Casalegno, BAE Systems

Technical Capabilities of the EA-37B Platform

Core Electronic Warfare Systems

The EA-37B configuration centers on BAE Systems’ Small Adaptive Bank of Electronic Resources (SABER) technology, which replaces hardware-based systems with software-defined radios for adaptable electromagnetic warfare. This enables real-time reprogramming to counter emerging threats without physical modifications.

Key systems include a high-power electronic attack suite targeting communications, GPS navigation, and radar systems, as well as cyber-electronic integration for coordinated operations with fifth-generation aircraft. Survivability features include ECCM and infrared countermeasures.

The aircraft operates with a crew of nine, two pilots and seven mission specialists, managing electronic warfare, signals intelligence, and cyber operations.

Performance Advantages Over Legacy Systems

Compared to legacy EC-130H platforms, the EA-37B offers significantly improved performance, including higher speed, altitude, and reduced operating costs. Its extended standoff range allows jamming operations from outside most surface-to-air missile engagement envelopes.

Mission endurance exceeds eight hours, enabling persistent coverage during joint operations. The platform’s open architecture facilitates future upgrades, including AI-enabled threat detection and response.

These features make the EA-37B a future-proof asset capable of adapting to rapidly evolving electronic warfare environments.

Strategic Implications for Italian Defense

Force Multiplier for Joint Operations

Italy’s EA-37Bs will integrate with its existing G550 special mission fleet, including JAMMS and E-550A AEW&C aircraft. This creates a layered ISR and electronic warfare capability that enhances situational awareness and threat suppression.

The JAMMS-configured G550s provide signals intelligence, identifying targets for the EA-37Bs to engage. The E-550A aircraft can coordinate these operations by directing assets toward high-priority threats.

This synergy increases the effectiveness of Italy’s air operations and strengthens its contributions to NATO’s collective defense posture.

Counter-A2/AD Posture Enhancement

The acquisition addresses anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) challenges in regions like the Mediterranean and Eastern Europe. By disrupting enemy command-and-control at operational depths, the EA-37Bs enable access for fighter operations and other air assets.

This capability is vital for NATO operations in contested environments, where electronic warfare assets must neutralize radar and communication systems before kinetic engagements begin.

According to Jon Rambeau, president of L3Harris Integrated Mission Systems, the aircraft will provide “an airborne jamming ability with range, altitude and endurance to disrupt enemy systems from an extended distance.”

Industry and Geopolitical Context

Electronic Warfare Market Expansion

The L3Harris contract reflects a growing global interest in electronic warfare capabilities. Defense modernization efforts across NATO and allied nations are increasingly focusing on electromagnetic spectrum operations.

Electronic warfare systems are foundational to sixth-generation platforms like the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), and countries like the UK and Belgium are investing in similar capabilities.

Italy’s investment positions it as a leading NATO member in this domain, with potential for future collaboration on multinational electronic warfare initiatives.

Interoperability Imperatives

The EA-37B acquisition enhances interoperability with U.S. forces through shared systems, training, and operational doctrine. Italian crews are expected to train alongside U.S. personnel at Davis-Monthan AFB, where the U.S. EA-37B fleet is based.

Common mission systems allow for seamless integration during coalition operations, while compatibility with NATO’s electromagnetic battle management architecture ensures unified command and control.

This interoperability is crucial for joint missions, especially in high-threat environments where coordinated electronic warfare can determine mission success.

Recent Developments and Implementation Timeline

Production Milestones

Gulfstream is currently installing sensor housings on the Italian G550s, with mission systems fabrication underway at BAE Systems. L3Harris will integrate all components at its Texas facility.

Parallel efforts include the JAMMS program, with two aircraft undergoing modification to support signals intelligence and electronic warfare missions. The JAMMS aircraft are expected to be operational by 2026.

These synchronized efforts aim to deliver a comprehensive electronic warfare capability to the Italian Air Force by 2027.

Future Capability Roadmap

Italy’s electronic warfare roadmap includes three phases: initial operational capability by 2026, networked warfare integration by 2030, and AI-enabled capabilities thereafter.

Future developments may include integration with unmanned systems and cognitive electronic warfare technologies that autonomously detect and respond to threats.

This roadmap ensures Italy remains at the forefront of electronic warfare innovation within NATO.

Conclusion

Italy’s procurement of EA-37B electronic attack aircraft marks a significant leap in its defense modernization strategy. The $300 million contract with L3Harris enhances Italy’s ability to operate in contested electromagnetic environments and supports NATO’s collective defense objectives.

As global threats evolve, the integration of advanced electronic warfare platforms like the EA-37B will be essential. Italy’s investment not only strengthens its national defense but also reinforces its role as a key NATO partner in the electromagnetic domain.

FAQ

What is the EA-37B Compass Call?
The EA-37B is an electronic attack aircraft based on the Gulfstream G550, designed to disrupt enemy communications, radars, and navigation systems.

Why did Italy choose the G550 platform?
The G550 offers high altitude, long range, and modular design, making it ideal for electronic warfare missions and integration with existing Italian Air Force assets.

When will the aircraft be operational?
The aircraft are expected to reach initial operational capability by 2026, with full integration into Italy’s defense network by 2027.

Sources

• FlightGlobal
• BAE Systems
• U.S. Air Force
• Wikipedia
• Airforce-Technology