Italy acquires EA-37B Compass Call II jets to strengthen electronic warfare and airborne intelligence capabilities
U.S. company L3Harris Technologies has announced the signing of a $300 million contract with the Italian Air Force for the conversion of two Gulfstream G550 executive jets into the electronic warfare variant EA-37B Compass Call II.
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The agreement marks the initial phase of Italy’s acquisition of advanced electronic warfare platforms, making it the first foreign customer of the model. The sale was approved by the U.S. State Department in October 2024.
The Compass Call aircraft are primarily designed to disrupt enemy communications and command and control systems, while also conducting intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and target designation missions (C5ISRT).
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The contract is part of the strategic P-MMMS/JAMMS program, which aims to develop a multifunctional platform for early warning, electronic warfare, and electronic data collection missions. Italy already operates two G550s modified for CAEW and AISREW missions and will now convert two additional airframes into the EA-37B configuration.
Conversions are already underway, with L3Harris leading the technical process and system integration.
In addition to the Compass Call aircraft, Italy also plans to acquire two platforms similar to Australia’s MC-55A Peregrine, equipped with SIGINT sensors, radars, and electro-optical/infrared systems.
Source and images: l3harris | X @GulfstreamAero. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
