After 
18 months of restoration, an F-16C that formerly performed with the Air Force’s Thunderbirds flight demonstration squadron now sits on permanent display outside the Thunderbirds Museum at Nellis AFB, Nev. The retired aircraft, tail number 87-0323, carries the Thunderbirds’ paint scheme as it appeared for the 1992 show season—this F-16’s first season in the squadron. It flew with the unit through 2008. Maintainers at Nellis spent 360 man hours preparing the F-16 for display, removing some $5 million in reusable parts, in addition to restoration and paint work. Since the Thunderbirds are away from Nellis much of the year, the static display will allow visitors to the team’s hangar and museum the opportunity to view a Thunderbirds aircraft year-round. The Thunderbirds transitioned from the F-16A/B in 1991 to the F-16C/D for their 1992 season, according to Nellis officials. (Nellis release)
The Pentagon has concluded a new agreement to buy laser-guidance kits that turn rockets into drone-killing weapons. BAE Systems and the Defense Department announced a framework deal of up to seven years for 25,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System guidance kits annually for the U.S. military.