The visit marks the aircraft’s first appearance in the European theatre and builds on two earlier roadshows in the Indo-Pacific region. These engagements are designed to support a smooth transition towards initial operational capability and broader service use as the EC-130H is phased out.
The Compass Call is described as a critical enabler for electromagnetic spectrum operations, supporting effects such as degrading adversary communications, navigation and weapons systems while countering kill chains to improve joint force survivability. “As it enters operational service, the airframe will deliver decision dominance across all domains going forward,” said Ronnie Smith, U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and USAFE-AFAFRICA Future Operations Deputy Division Chief.
The roadshow’s multiple stops underline the aircraft’s flexibility to integrate across varied mission sets and teams in joint and coalition operations. “One of the most important aspects of success in conflict is information superiority,” said Tyler Laska, adding, “Every moment of hesitation that we can implant into an adversary’s decision-making process increases the survivability of our men and women on the leading edge of every domain.”
