<p>The group was formed in October 1983 as the primary operator of the variety of target drones employed by the Air Defense Weapons Center. Three squadrons were assigned to the group, with the 82nd Aerial Targets Squadron operating the QF-100D/F, and more recently the QF-106A/B, alongside BQM-34B Firebee and MQM-107D Streaker target drones. The drones are employed as practice targets for pilots transitioning to the intercept role and for qualified pilots attending exercises at Tyndall. The intention is for pilots to score a near miss, enabling the drone to be recovered and reused. In addition, the 81st Range Control Squadron and 83rd Fighter Weapons Squadron are assigned to the group. The two de Havilland Canada E-9A Dash 8M aircraft are operated as relay platforms, and are the only aircraft of the group to display the 'WE' tailcode.
