The U.S. Department of State has approved a potential sale of the EA-37B electronic attack mission system to Italy valued at $680 million.
In addition to the core EA-37B system, the proposed sale includes critical components such as Network Centric Collaborative Targeting systems, radio frequency receiver subsystems and software-defined radio subsystems, and secure communication and cryptographic devices. Rome will also receive essential support elements such as personnel training, technical documentation, construction and logistics support services.
BAE Systems developed EA-37B as an upgrade of the EC-130H Compass Call, a long-range, full-spectrum stand-off electromagnetic warfare jamming platform. For over four decades, the U.S. Air Force has used the Compass Call weapon system on the EC-130H aircraft to counter adversaries’ command and control, computing, communications, combat systems and intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and targeting capabilities.
The enhanced EA-37B, which has been available since early this year, features precise and high-powered jamming capabilities, modern digital signal processing and a flexible architecture that can handle both conventional and irregular warfare.
According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the proposed sale aligns with U.S. foreign policy goals and national security objectives by enhancing the security capabilities of a key NATO ally.
BAE Systems, headquartered in Hudson, New Hampshire, will serve as the principal contractor for the upcoming transaction.