Boeing this month received a $24.6 million contract adjustment for the next lot of QF-16 targeting drones. The contract covers 18 QF-16s full-scale aerial targets and 18 associated warranties, with work expected to be completed by April 27, 2021. The Air Force flies the converted F-16s as aerial targets for training and weapons certification, with the Falcons having replaced converted F-4 Phantoms. The contract was awarded March 14 and announced Wednesday.
Amid NATO’s continued push to ramp up air defenses in Eastern Europe, Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall swung by seven allied countries to boost relations last week, including those on Russia’s and Ukraine’s doorstep.