The decision to revive the E-7 Wedgetail program addresses a critical gap in airborne battle management capabilities as the Air Force's E-3 system nears retirement. However, the program's high costs and questions about its survivability in contested airspace remain concerns. The Navy's E-2D Hawkeye program, which complements the Wedgetail, will continue to receive funding, ensuring operational readiness for both services. The conflict in Iran has underscored the urgency of maintaining robust battle management systems.