TAIPEI (Taiwan News)—The Air Force announced Wednesday it will hold a rollout ceremony in the US for its first F-16 Viper fighter jet.

The military will send representatives to the ceremony at the invitation of the US, CNA reported.

Taiwan finalized a deal to purchase 66 F-16Vs from the US in 2020 for approximately NT$263.43 billion (US$8 billion). This was in addition to upgrading its 142 older F-16A/Bs to the Viper variant. 

It also opened an F-16 repair hub the same year in preparation for receiving more than 200 F-16s, the largest fleet of its kind in Asia. The construction project cost NT$110 billion and was a joint endeavor by AIDC and Lockheed Martin.

The defense ministry monitors the F-16V production progress through monthly teleconferences, project management review meetings, and on-site supervision, Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo (顧立雄) said in January. The Air Force Command said it oversees the fighter jet production process through meetings and stationed personnel to ensure smooth progress.

According to the Air Force, the 66 F-16Vs will join the 7th Tactical Fighter Wing at Chih Hang Air Base in Taitung. Two operational squadrons have already been formed, with a third squadron scheduled for early 2026. Seed instructors will be sent to the US for training in the first quarter of 2026.