Boeing delivered the Air Force’s first production QF-16C full-scale aerial target to Tyndall AFB, Fla., according to a base release. “We take great pride in this significant team achievement and are honored to provide the warfighter with this enhanced capability,” said Michele Hafers, test and training division boss at Eglin AFB, Fla. This QF-16, serial number 86-0233, arrived at Tyndall on March 11. It is a former Michigan Air National Guard F-16C Block 30 airframe, and is the first of 13 QF-16s scheduled for delivery as part of Lot 1 production of the new FSAT. QF-16s will replace the 82nd Aerial Targets Squadron’s QF-4s that provide targets for weapons testing and training over the nearby Eglin Range complex. Boeing is under contract to convert up to 126 retired, early model F-16s to the QF-16 configuration.
Air Force Munitions Gets Big Boost from Reconciliation
June 28, 2025
Thanks to reconciliation, the fiscal 2026 Air Force budget would get a surge of munitions procurement, but it's not yet clear if the production increase will be sustained. The Air Force revealed the secret AIM-260 air-to-air missile's funding for the first time.