L3 Harris Technologies has received an order worth 255 million euros from Italy for the delivery of two Gulfstream G550 aircraft. The contract was awarded following approval by the US government. L3 Harris is working with BAE Systems for this solution.
The modified Gulfstream G550s, designated EA-37B Compass Call II in their military configuration, provide the Italian Air Force an airborne platform with electromagnetic attack capabilities. The EA-37B is capable of disrupting enemy command and communication links, radar systems and navigation infrastructure over long distances.
“We are strengthening our support to the Italian Armed Forces by equipping them with advanced operational technology prepared to meet the demands of a dynamic global environment,” said Jason Lambert, President Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance at L3 Harris. “Our team will deliver solutions to Italy that contribute to both national security and interoperability with the U.S. and strategic partners.”
Once the modifications have been completed, the aircraft – together with the EC-37B Compass Call – will become part of the so-called “Joint Airborne Multi-Mission Multi-Sensor System” (JAMMS) and will be integrated into the Italian Ministry of Defense’s fleet of special aircraft. L3 Harris is currently modifying two G550 ISR platforms as part of this program.
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JAMMS describes the procurement, operation and logistical support of an airborne multi-mission and multi-sensor platform for situational awareness, decision support at strategic and operational level, cross-domain command and control, communication (C3) and the implementation of electronic protection measures.
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Italy already put one E-550A Conformal Airborne Early Warning (CAEW) airborne early warning system into service with the 71st Group of the 14th Wing in Pratica di Mare in November 2016 and December 2017. In addition, six further Gulfstream G550s were procured in a basic version.
This project formed phase one of a multi-year procurement program with a total volume of 1.2 billion euros. In December 2021, the Italian parliament approved phase two, which provides for the modification, procurement and integration of mission packages for four of the six additional G550s. This phase was budgeted at 925 million euros. A further 900 million euros were earmarked for phase three, which includes the conversion of the two remaining G550s and other measures.
In March 2022, the Italian Ministry of Defense commissioned the Israeli company IAI/Elta Systems to convert the two remaining G550s to the E-550A CAEW, a contract worth 208.9 million euros. In June 2023, IAI/Elta Systems was also awarded the contract to convert another G550, which was provided separately by Italy, to the same standard.
The Italian fleet of specialized G550-based aircraft will thus comprise a total of five E-550A CAEWs, two EC-37B Compass Calls and two EA-37B Compass Calls IIs.
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