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.
The U.S. began extensive air and artillery strikes against Islamic State group targets in Syria on Dec. 19 in retaliation for the killing of three Americans on Dec. 13 by a gunman affiliated with ISIS, U.S. officials said.

