Gripen fighters flown by the Czech Republic are to receive ground-attack capability upgrades through Sweden's Defense and Security Export Agency, or FMX.

The 14 multi-role JAS 39 aircraft by Saab are leased from Sweden until 2027 under a 2014 contract renewal with the agency.

"This [upgrade] is very beneficial for the Czech Air Force," said FXM Project Manager Marcus Hallberg. "With this upgrade the Czech Republic enhances its capabilities significantly and takes advantage of Gripen's capabilities to an even greater extent."

The upgrades, worth about $14.2 million, will entail integration of guided and unguided bombs through new weapon pylons and software, the Swedish agency said.

The Czech Republic first signed a lease for Gripen C/D fighters in 2004.

Information on the upgrade time frame was not disclosed.

BAE Systems expands factory for F-35 component work
London (UPI) Dec 23, 2015 –

BAE Systems has started expansion of a manufacturing facility in Britain for increased production of components for F-35 Lightning II fighters.

The company said the 48,437-foot expansion to the factory at Samlesbury, Lancashire, follows the government's commitment to purchase 138 short take-off and vertical landing aircraft F-35 variants for the Royal Navy and Air Force.

"The further extension to the site signals another important milestone in the F-35 program and demonstrates BAE Systems' readiness meet the challenge of increased production rates," said Cliff Robson, BAE System's senior vice president for the F-35 Lightning II program. "We are proud of our role in the F-35 program, which will provide economic value to the region for decades to come. "

The factory produces F-35 aircraft tail assemblies for the Lockheed Martin fighter program. It also includes test facilities and sub-component assembly lines for the plane. The expansion, expected to be completed in 2017, will enable the manufacture of 160 tail units a year.

"There is a potential requirement for more than 3,000 aircraft over the next 20 years, meaning the F-35 Lightning II will continue to make a significant contribution to the UK economy through the work created in the 500 UK-based companies involved in the program."