The F-16V Block 72 is a modernization of the F-16A/B fighter for the Republic of China Air Force. Lockheed Martin announced the F-16V Viper program on February 15, 2012, at the Singapore Airshow. The program is a comprehensive upgrade intended to bring F-16 fighters to a new level of capability. Key elements of the modernization include the AN/APG-83 SABR AESA radar, a new computing architecture, and an improved cockpit. The first flight of an F-16V equipped with the APG-83 radar occurred on October 16, 2015. In February 2019, Taiwan requested to purchase new F-16 Block 70/72 fighters to replace its aging Mirage 2000 and F-5 aircraft. In 2020, Taiwan signed an agreement to purchase 66 new fighters. At the same time, aircraft already in service were upgraded as well. On November 18, 2021, the Republic of China Air Force commissioned its first F-16V wing. This wing consists of upgraded F-16A/B aircraft that have been brought up to the Block 72 standard. Locally, they received the designation F-16AM/BM. These aircraft are equipped with F100-PW-220 engines and APG-83 radars and have the ability to use the latest AIM-120D long-range air-to-air missiles.

The Chinese F-16V was introduced in Update 2.57 "Heavy Cavalry". Its key advantage is the AN/APG-83 radar, which enables fast target acquisition and stable tracking. When combined with the long-range AIM-120D ARH missile, the aircraft dominates at medium and long ranges. In close combat, it retains the Falcon's excellent maneuverability and climb rate. The F100-PW-220 engine provides sufficient thrust, but the pilot must monitor fuel levels due to the aircraft's limited internal fuel capacity. The aircraft's arsenal has also been expanded to include new GBU-53B bombs and AGM-88C anti-radiation missiles, allowing it to effectively engage ground targets.