The Air Force’s $43.3 million contract to General Atomics Aeronautical Systems on Jan. 6 covers retrofit kits to bring MQ-9 Reaper Block 1 remotely piloted aircraft to the latest configuration, but not the extended-range standard as we reported in Tuesday’s Daily Report column. The kits include new heavyweight landing gear, newer bomb rack technology, and data-dissemination improvements, not enlarged wings and fuel tanks. We’ve corrected our original entry.
Air Force Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich assumed command of U.S. European Command on July 1, taking over the key assignment as the U.S. and its allies contend with a resurgent Russia and a grinding war in Ukraine.