US Air Force retires EC-130H Compass Call electronic warfare aircraft

The United States Air Force has officially retired the EC-130H Compass Call, an electronic warfare aircraft that served for over four decades. The final flight of aircraft tail number 1590 took place on September 2, 2026, followed by an official retirement ceremony on September 18 at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona.

Based on the C-130 Hercules, the EC-130H was designed to disrupt enemy communications, radar, and command and control systems by interfering with the electromagnetic spectrum. The mission is now transitioning to the EA-37B Compass Call, a new platform based on the modified Gulfstream G550 business jet.

The EA-37B offers significant operational advantages, including the ability to operate at altitudes of approximately 51,000 feet and speeds of 600 knots. The new platform is expected to require 30 percent fewer personnel and provides improved mobility and survivability by operating at greater distances from adversaries. Both the legacy and new systems utilize equipment developed by BAE Systems and L3Harris.