The F-5 Freedom Fighter/Tiger II entered ROCAF service in the late 1960s, supplied by the United States to provide a lightweight, supersonic fighter for air defense and close air support. It served as a key frontline fighter alongside older aircraft, excelling in air-to-air combat and training missions. Over the decades, Taiwan has upgraded its F-5 fleet with modern avionics and weapons, keeping the aircraft operational while complementing newer fighters like the F-16.