The Viper Mk VII is the updated model of the Viper Mk II, originally used as the first line of defense against the Cylons. The initial years of conflict between the Twelve Colonies of Kobol and their Cylon creations, known as the First Cylon War, took a massive toll on the Colonials.
After 12 years of fighting, the Cylons unexpectedly sued for peace without warning, leading to an armistice. Following this unexpected truce, the uneasy military redirected all its efforts into upgrading its massively depleted forces.
As a result, the Viper Mk VII was developed, now fitted with a fully networked software and Command Navigation Program (CNP) system. This new model was considered the most sophisticated craft in the Colonies.