So what’s the problem? CRS says “these weapons might provide the United States with more capability than it needs under most circumstances.” It also discounts the Air Force position that launching conventional missiles from either coast would eliminate possible “misunderstandings.” Their only value, says CRS, might stem from a need for quick response and, its analysts ask, is that worth the risk? Sounds like the CRS reaction is not mixed at all.
The Air Force on March 12 awarded contract modifications worth a combined $2.4 billion to Boeing to procure an undisclosed number of E-7 Wedgetail as part of the program's engineering and manufacturing development phase and continue work on the airborne battle management aircraft’s radar.