Compass Call

Compass Call is the Air Force's wide-area, standoff Airborne Electromagnetic Attack (AEA) Command and Control Warfare/Information Operations (C2W/IO) weapon system. The primary goal of this program is to interrupt adversary use of the electromagnetic battlespace, providing a critical active component in information warfare and the prosecution of current ground and airborne threats. The system is designed for surgical denial and disruption of adversary radio frequency (RF) communications, radar, and sensor systems. The continuous modernization strategy ensures that Compass Call remains capable of addressing emerging adversary tactics and technologies.

The program's objectives focus on research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) activities to upgrade and sustain the Compass Call system. The program supports the transition from the legacy EC-130H airframe to the EA-37B airframe, which is based on a commercial derivative G550 aircraft. This transition is necessary due to the aging EC-130H fleet and aims to ensure the longevity and relevance of Compass Call's mission capabilities. The EA-37B platform will reuse and upgrade Prime Mission Equipment (PME) from the EC-130H, with modifications to host advanced antenna arrays and mission systems.

A key objective for FY 2026 is the continued development and integration of Baseline 4 (BL4) capabilities. BL4 transitions the software baseline to an agile framework and implements the System-Wide Open Reconfigurable Dynamic Architecture (SWORD-A), enabling rapid integration of new capabilities and increased target capacity. The program also supports maturation of AEA technologies, trade studies for future baselines, and the development of external communications systems to improve connectivity across the battlespace. Requirements for Baseline 5 (BL5) are currently being determined, with a focus on further enhancing communications and interoperability.

Compass Call Baseline Upgrade Development is managed by BAE Systems in Nashua, NH, and involves engineering, upgrade, and test activities for PME and platform upgrades. The program supports advancing electromagnetic attack capabilities, expanding frequency coverage, and developing future capabilities to counter emerging threats. It also includes upgrades to training systems and simulators, as well as enhancements to the System Integration Lab (SIL) for advanced testing. These efforts are essential for maintaining the effectiveness of Compass Call against modern and evolving adversary tactics.

Compass Call Test and Evaluation activities are conducted through various contractors and focus on validating the performance of new and upgraded capabilities. These activities include flight tests, system integration, assembly, and checkout of mission systems. Test and evaluation are critical for ensuring that new technologies and software upgrades meet operational requirements and can be fielded effectively. The program also supports training events and the development of support equipment necessary for operational deployment.

Compass Call Program Support Costs (PSC) are managed by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH. These costs cover civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The program includes funding for studies, analyses, requirements definition, and quick reaction capability (QRC) prototypes to accelerate technology transition and insertion. Agile acquisition processes and open architecture standards are emphasized to enable rapid response to urgent warfighter needs and evolving combatant commander requirements.