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
Hexagon leaderboard
RIAT 2026 cancelled

Aerospace Defence Security Events

RIAT 2026 cancelled

22 May 2026

This year’s Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) will now not be taking place, cancelled due to issues regarding access to the event - at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire - amid concerns over conflict in the Middle East.

ADS appoints Andy Williams Director of ADS Scotland

Aerospace Defence Security Space

ADS appoints Andy Williams Director of ADS Scotland

22 May 2026

ADS, the trade association for the aerospace, defence, security and space industries, has announced the appointment of Andy Williams as Scotland Director.

King’s College London and Cranfield University propose merger

Aerospace Defence Security Space

King’s College London and Cranfield University propose merger

22 May 2026

King’s College London and Cranfield University have announced that the two universities have signed an agreement as the first step towards a merger, with the aim of bringing the two institutions together from August 2027, which will support UK national capability and resilience.

QinetiQ expands testing capacity at MoD Portland Bill

Defence

QinetiQ expands testing capacity at MoD Portland Bill

22 May 2026

QinetiQ has increased the capacity of its vessel testing facility with the addition of a new water tank that will enable larger uncrewed mine hunting vessels’ magnetic fields to be measured and lowered to counter underwater threats.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Hexagon boosts large-volume inspection productivity

Defence

Hexagon boosts large-volume inspection productivity

22 May 2026

Hexagon’s Portable Metrology Division has introduced a new wireless probe that adds contact measurement to its high-speed HYPERSCAN large-volume laser scanning system, improving productivity during alignment, inspection and reporting.

BAE Systems Bofors completes Aston Harald acquisition

Defence

BAE Systems Bofors completes Aston Harald acquisition

21 May 2026

BAE Systems Bofors, which signed a purchase agreement to acquire Swedish supplier of precision mechanics and advanced component machining for aerospace and defence products, Aston Harald Mekaniska Verkstad AB in February 2026, has now completed the acquisition.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner