Airborne Electronic Warfare

Latest in Airborne Electronic Warfare

Japan's ugly EC-2 surveillance aircraft.
Airborne Electronic Warfare

Japan’s EC-2 Electronic Warfare Jet, Arguably The World’s Ugliest Aircraft, Just Flew For The First Time

By Thomas Newdick

Updated on Mar 17, 2026

EA-37B Compass call next generation electronic attack jet.
Airborne Electronic Warfare

This Is What The EA-37B Compass Call Electronic Attack Jet Can Actually Do

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Feb 26, 2026

Lockheed Martin has shared new details about how it is using artificial intelligence (AI) technology to help F-35 pilots spot hostile air defenses faster and more accurately.
Airborne Electronic Warfare

AI Is Now Helping The F-35 Spot Enemy Air Defenses

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Feb 24, 2026

A group of Block 52 F-16CJ Vipers belonging to the South Carolina Air National Guard was recently spotted heading east across the Atlantic as part of a huge build-up of U.S. forces ahead of potential strikes on Iran.
Airborne Electronic Warfare

F-16s Heading To Middle East Equipped With Angry Kitten Electronic Warfare Pods

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Feb 20, 2026

A U.S. Air Force EA-37B Compass Call aircraft assigned to the 55th Electronic Combat Group at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, is parked at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, as part of its first stop in the European theater for a scheduled road show, Jan. 26, 2026. The aircraft is also slated to visit Spangdahlem AB, Germany, and RAF Mildenhall, England, marking the platform’s introduction to Airmen, units and NATO Allies in the U.S. Air Forces in Europe area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Edgar Grimaldo)
Airborne Electronic Warfare

New EA-37B Compass Call Electronic Warfare Jet Makes Maiden Voyage To Europe

By Howard Altman

Posted on Jan 27, 2026

Australia has taken the next step in its wide-ranging program to overhaul its air force with the arrival of its first MC-55A Peregrine. The platform, configured for “airborne intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare” (AISREW), is a highly modified version of the Gulfstream G550 business jet, an increasingly popular choice for adaptation for these kinds of specialist missions.
Airborne Electronic Warfare

Australia Just Took Delivery Of One Of Its Most Powerful Weapons

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jan 22, 2026

A U.S. Air Force EC-130H Compass Call electronic warfare plane was seen landing in Puerto Rico.
Airborne Electronic Warfare

EC-130H Compass Call Electronic Warfare Plane Joins Growing U.S. Force In Caribbean

By Howard Altman

Posted on Dec 23, 2025

New pictures offer the best look to date at an Air Force HC-130J Combat King II combat search and rescue aircraft (CSAR) carrying an Angry Kitten electronic warfare pod.
Airborne Electronic Warfare

Angry Kitten Electronic Warfare Pod Spotted Flying On HC-130J Combat Rescue Plane

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Sep 29, 2025

Taiwan is testing a new external electronic countermeasures pod, reportedly due to be integrated on its F-CK-1 Indigenous Defense Fighter (IDF). The multirole combat aircraft has undergone a comprehensive upgrade in recent years, but until now has not had anything approaching a comprehensive electronic warfare self-protection capability. This requirement is now even more urgent, as the threat from the China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) continues to grow.
Airborne Electronic Warfare

Electronic Warfare Pod For Taiwan’s F-CK-1 Fighter Is In Testing

By Thomas Newdick

Updated on Aug 14, 2025

An F16-D Fighting Falcon pilot from the 40th Flight Test Squadron demonstrates proper flare technique during a training mission near Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., June 6, 2019. A flare is an aerial infrared countermeasure used by planes or helicopter to counter an infrared homing surface-to-air missile or air-to-air missile. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joshua Hoskins)
Airborne Electronic Warfare

AI-Enabled Cognitive Electronic Warfare Capability Plugs Into F-16’s Existing Radar Warning Receiver

By Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Mar 10, 2025

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle conducts combat patrols over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility Oct. 20, 2024. The F-15E is deployed within the USCENTCOM AOR to help defend U.S. interests, promote regional security, and deter aggression in the region.
Airborne Electronic Warfare

F-15’s New EPAWSS Electronic Warfare Suite Already Has Successor In Development

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Mar 5, 2025

An E/A-18G Growler. (U.S. Navy)
Airborne Electronic Warfare

How The EA-18G Growler’s Next-Generation Jamming Pod Went To War On Its First Cruise

By Geoff Ziezulewicz

Updated on Feb 11, 2025

An F-15E on a flight line in San Antonio, Texas. The aircraft was recently upgraded with Eagle Passive/Active Warning and Survivability System, advanced electronic warfare system.
Airborne Electronic Warfare

F-15E Strike Eagle With New EPAWSS Electronic Warfare Suite Heads To Frontline Unit

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jan 17, 2025

A new miniature electronic warfare jammer that is small and relatively low-cost enough to be a payload on loyal wingman-type drones and even expandable loitering munitions has hit the market from defense contractor Leonardo.
Airborne Electronic Warfare

BriteStorm Miniature Electronic Warfare System Can Allow Small Drones To Create Big Ghost Formations

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Oct 14, 2024

Future offensive electronic warfare
Airborne Electronic Warfare

How EA-18G Growler’s Next Generation Jammer Actually Works And The Future Of Offensive Electronic Warfare

By Howard Altman

Updated on Sep 20, 2024

Alternatively known as the Y-9LG, the Y-8GX-12 is another ECM version based on the Y-8 Category III Platform. It was first identified in satellite imagery in late 2017. Surprisingly, considering its assumed role, the Y-8GX-12 has a ‘balance beam’ radar antenna above its fuselage, as found on the KJ-200 airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft. It is believed, however, that the radar aboard the Y-8GX-12 is instead used for long-range jamming, using its powerful electronically scanned radar beams to suppress enemy radar signals.
Airborne Electronic Warfare

Our Best Look Yet At China’s New Standoff Electronic Warfare Plane

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Aug 30, 2024