Air Force Retired EC-130H Compass Call Fleet

The aging electronic warfare aircraft ended over four decades of service at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base.

Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Military

Isometric editorial illustration of a detached military aircraft engine cowling and propeller, representing the retirement of the EC-130H fleet. — The U.S. Air Force has officially retired its EC-130H Compass Call electronic warfare fleet after more than 40 years of service. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The U.S. Air Force has officially retired its EC-130H Compass Call fleet after more than 40 years of service. A retirement ceremony held at Tucson's Davis-Monthan Air Force Base marked the end of the aircraft's operations.

Why it matters

The retirement marks a generational transition in electronic warfare capabilities, as the Air Force pivots to the more advanced EA-37B platform. This new aircraft provides enhanced speed and altitude to jam enemy radar and communications systems.

The new EA-37B fleet reaches speeds up to 600 mph and can operate at altitudes of 51,000 feet. The aircraft is designed to accommodate a combat crew of up to nine people.

The players

United States Air Force

This is the air service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the eight uniformed services of the United States.

Davis-Monthan Air Force Base

This facility is located in Tucson and serves as a major installation for the Air Force.

The details

The EC-130H fleet, which began service in 1981, completed its final sortie on September 2, 2026. Its successor, the EA-37B, utilizes a modified Gulfstream G550 airframe to conduct electronic warfare missions, including those recently deployed to Iran.

The EC-130H began its service life in 1981.
The first EA-37B was delivered in August 2024.
The EA-37B completed its first Atlantic voyage in January 2026.
The EC-130H completed its final mission on September 2, 2026.
The retirement ceremony occurred in September 2026 at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base.

Political Context

Opponents of the transition have voiced concerns regarding the speed of integrating new platforms into legacy workflows. Advocacy groups focusing on military readiness continue to debate whether the replacement of established fleets creates temporary capability gaps.

Residents near Davis-Monthan Air Force Base may notice changes in flight patterns as the base shifts training and operations to the new EA-37B fleet. The retirement represents a regulatory move by the military to modernize its electronic warfare equipment.

The takeaway

The transition to the EA-37B signifies a major upgrade in the Air Force's ability to disrupt enemy communications. Maintaining modern electronic warfare tools is critical for ensuring operational superiority in contested environments.