BAE Systems Upgrades US Air Force Aircraft with Advanced Electromagnetic Warfare Systems

Defense News ,U.S :- BAE Systems is set to equip four US Air Force EA-37B aircraft with advanced electromagnetic warfare (EW) mission systems. These next-gen Baseline 4 mission systems have powerful capabilities for disrupting and suppressing enemy use of the electromagnetic spectrum in communication, navigation, and air defense.

Currently, the US Department of Defense relies on the EC-130H Compass Call aircraft for long-range electromagnetic warfare jamming. BAE is replacing this with 10 updated EA-37B aircraft, and the new EW system will enhance speed, altitude, endurance, and survivability, ensuring mission readiness.

Duane Beaulieu, BAE Systems Compass Call technical director, highlighted the unique and powerful EW capabilities of the EA-37B, making it a valuable asset for the US Air Force and coalition forces. As the fleet is introduced, the Air Force aims to dominate the electromagnetic spectrum.

BAE Systems has a history of providing the Compass Call EW mission system, adapting it to face evolving threats. The company redesigned the hardware to fit the smaller EA-37B airframe, delivering the first one in September last year. The Compass Call mission focuses on countering enemies' command and control, computing, communications, combat systems, and intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeting capabilities. Future updates will enhance operations and address evolving threats using software-defined radios and an open architecture.