US approves sale of EA-37B Compass Call Electronic Warfare Aircraft to Italy.

According to information published by the US government on October 7, 2024, the U.S. State Department has approved a $680 million Foreign Military Sale to Italy, allowing the Italian Air Force to acquire the EA-37B Compass Call electronic warfare aircraft.
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The flight crew conducts an in-plane inspection before the EA-37B Compass Call departs from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona. (Picture source: Dvids)

The approval of the $680 million EA-37B Compass Call aircraft sale to Italy is a significant step in modernizing the Italian Air Force's electronic warfare capabilities. The EA-37B, built on a modified Gulfstream G550 platform, is a cutting-edge electronic attack aircraft that enhances the ability to disrupt and degrade enemy communications, radar systems, and navigation. This sale will bolster Italy's capability to perform sophisticated airborne electromagnetic attacks, ensuring the country remains equipped to counter emerging threats and integrate seamlessly with U.S. and NATO forces during joint operations​.

The EA-37B will replace the older EC-130H Compass Call, offering superior performance with a more advanced mission system. It carries subsystems for network-centric targeting, encrypted communications, radar countermeasures, and precision navigation. This next-generation aircraft is also optimized for a smaller crew of nine, down from the EC-130H's thirteen, improving operational efficiency while delivering greater electronic warfare capabilities. The upgraded platform enables Italy to align with the U.S. Air Force's modernization efforts, supporting the shift to smaller, more agile, and technologically advanced fleets.

Strategically, the sale will strengthen NATO's southern flank. Italy's geographical location in the Mediterranean makes it a crucial player in regional defense and crisis response, particularly in scenarios where air superiority and electronic warfare are decisive. The EA-37B's capabilities will support NATO in countering sophisticated adversary systems, enhancing collective defense by integrating Italy’s electronic warfare strategies with those of other NATO members. It reflects broader U.S. policy objectives of reinforcing the military infrastructure of key allies to maintain balance in the region against emerging threats such as Russia.

On an industrial level, the deal involves U.S. defense contractors like BAE Systems, providing mission equipment, and L3Harris, which integrates these systems. The sale demonstrates the U.S. defense industry's role in equipping international partners and advancing technological capabilities globally. Italy’s acquisition aligns with its ongoing efforts to expand its fleet of G550-based aircraft, which includes existing airborne early warning and reconnaissance platforms. This purchase will likely create further opportunities for Italy to collaborate on maintenance, training, and future upgrades.