The Air Force has chosen Boeing to convert up to 126 retired F-16 fighters to unmanned full-scale aerial targets designated QF-16s. They will succeed the Air Force’s inventory of QF-4 targets that are used today to help develop weapons and tactics. Boeing is scheduled to start delivering QF-16s in 2014. On Monday, the company received a $69.7 million contract for the initial engineering, manufacturing, and development activities. Boeing will design and develop the QF-16 in St. Louis. Production and testing will occur at the company’s facility in Cecil Field, Fla., near Jacksonville. Boeing’s team includes BAE Systems, prime contractor for the QF-4s. (Boeing release) (Pentagon’s March 8 list of major contracts)
Congress Passes $839 Billion Budget for Defense
Feb. 3, 2026
Congress officially passed the fiscal 2026 defense spending bill Feb. 3 after a House of Representatives vote, approving $839 billion in Pentagon funding and sending the package to President Donald Trump for his signature.
