The first upgraded F-16 fighter jet, known as F-16V Viper, arrived in Chiayi Air Base Friday in central Taiwan after undergoing extensive aerial tests in the U.S. and Taiwan, according to Liberty Time report. 

According to the news report, the Republic of China Air Force (RoCAF, Taiwan Air Force) on 19 October received its first upgraded Lockheed Martin F-16V Viper, the latest variant of the jet, at the Shueishang Airbase in Chiayi County, with three more expected to arrive by the end of the year.

The first batch of four F-16V fighter jets will be commissioned within six months to be stationed in Chiayi and Hualien bases. The enhancements over the remaining fleet of 139 fighter jets are scheduled to complete before 2022.

F-16V, Lockheed Martin’s most advanced F-16 version, will feature a new active electronically scanned array radar, a modular mission computer, electronic warfare suite, automated ground collision avoidance system, and a helmet-mounted cueing system which will simplify the pilot’s task to fire off AIM-9X Sidewinder heat-seeking missiles, reports said.

The Air Forces Monthly reported that the upgraded F-16V introduces AN/APG-83 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, new mission computer and F-16C/D landing gear. The AN/APG-83 can simultaneously perform a search, tracking, and lock-on functions.

For multiple targets, the detection range is increased by more than 30% compared with the original APG-66(V)3 radar. Overall battlefield detection capability is reportedly increased by 220%, and self-protection capability by 180%.