Taiwan to complete upgrade of 22 F-16A/B to current Viper configuration before end of 2020

ROCAF F-16A/B Fighting Falcon fighters during exercise. Photo c/o CNA.

Upgrade works on 22 Lockheed Martin F-16A/B Block 20 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft of the Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF / Taiwanese Air Force) to the current F-16 Block 70 Viper configuration are expected to be completed before the end of 2020.

According to Taiwanese news outlet Central News Agency (CNA), at least 19 aircraft have completed their upgrade works, while 3 more are expected to be completed in December 2020.

Works have been made by Taiwanese state-run Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC), with Lockheed Martin providing assistance.

Once completed, the ROCAF will have 37 F-16A/B Block 20 upgraded to Block 70 standards, as an initial batch of 15 aircraft were already upgraded in the past 2 years.

Upgrade works include the installation of more advanced avionics including the APG-83 Scalable Agile Beam radar, Helmet-Mounted Cueing System, and improved electronic warfare systems. It also shares technology from the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter, which is also from Lockheed Martin.

A total of 140 F-16A/B Block 20 fighter aircraft are scheduled to be upgraded to Block 70 standards, with an estimated project completion by the end of 2023 – with 35 aircraft scheduled for upgrade in 2021, another 35 in 2022, and the final batch of 32 aircraft in 2023.

In addition, Taiwan ordered 66 new-build F-16 Block 70 Viper fighters from the US government in 2020, with deliveries expected to start in the next few years.



[1] Jane’s
[2] Focus Taiwan
[3] CNN