Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • USAF collaborates with BAE Systems on Compass Call

Defence

USAF collaborates with BAE Systems on Compass Call

The US Air Force (USAF) has collaborated with BAE Systems to cross-deck the company's advanced Compass Call electronic warfare system onto its next-generation electronic warfare aircraft.



Above: EC-37B flying through opening in the clouds with second aircraft visible flying behind it in the distance. Mountainous terrain visible below.
Courtesy BAE Systems

It is a critical upgrade for the EC-37B Baseline 4 platform that comes on the 40th anniversary of Compass Call, and is facilitated by BAE Systems’ Small Adaptive Bank of Electronic Resources (SABER) technology.

Advertisement
ODU RT

The SABER system transitions from hardware to software-based electromagnetic spectrum warfare capability on Compass Call. The system is built on a suite of software defined radios using an open system architecture and will provide the backbone of the EC-37B’s operating system.

“This is a leading-edge upgrade that integrates third-party apps, giving aircrews the capability to respond to threats faster than ever before,” said Pam Potter, director of Electronic Attack Solutions at BAE Systems.

Compass Call is an airborne tactical electromagnetic attack weapon system that disrupts enemy command and control communications, radar, and navigation systems. The sophisticated mission system, developed and produced by BAE systems, has provided key jamming capabilities on the EC-130H since 1981 and will leverage that technology for the upgraded EC-37B platforms.

The development of Compass Call Baseline 4 is taking place at BAE Systems’ state-of-the-art facilities in Hudson, N.H., Nashua, N.H., Burlington, Mass., San Diego, Calif., and Dallas, Texas.

Advertisement
ODU RT

 

 

Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner
Dstl backed robotics advance transforms military manufacturing

Defence

Dstl backed robotics advance transforms military manufacturing

15 May 2026

Rivelin Robotics, supported by Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) expertise, has created microfactory technology that automates the slow, risky manual finishing of 3D printed parts.

Defence firms incentivised to deliver on time

Defence

Defence firms incentivised to deliver on time

15 May 2026

The UK Government is cracking down on waste and delays as defence companies are to be incentivised to deliver equipment on time and on budget with new reforms to Single Source Contract Regulations.

MoD selects TEKEVER to support Project NYX

Defence

MoD selects TEKEVER to support Project NYX

15 May 2026

TEKEVER has been selected by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) to support Project NYX, the British Army’s programme to develop next-generation autonomous systems capable of operating alongside Apache attack helicopters.

West Midlands launches MoD-backed RDSC

Defence

West Midlands launches MoD-backed RDSC

15 May 2026

A new Regional Defence and Security Cluster (RDSC), designed to align local defence capabilities with UK demand, has been launched in the West Midlands.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Getac to demo integrated tactical solutions at SOF Week 2026

Defence Security Events

Getac to demo integrated tactical solutions at SOF Week 2026

15 May 2026

Getac, a provider of rugged computing and mobile video solutions and a manufacturer with advanced in-house capabilities, will demo its portfolio of rugged laptops, tablets and command solutions at SOF Week 2026, 18th-21st May in Tampa, Florida.

GA-ASI and USAF Demonstrate APKWS on MQ-9A Reaper

Defence

GA-ASI and USAF Demonstrate APKWS on MQ-9A Reaper

15 May 2026

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), in collaboration with the US Air Force (USAF), has conducted flight tests of an Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) using a USAF MQ-9A Reaper Remotely Piloted Aircraft. MQ-9A is produced by GA-ASI.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
General Atomics LB