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World Defense & Security News - Czech Republic
 
 
Czech Republic to upgrade its fleet of JAS 39 Gripen fighter aircraft
 
The Swedish Defence and Security Export Agency (FXM) has signed an agreement to upgrade the JAS 39 Gripen aircraft that the Czech Republic leases from Sweden, the FXM announced on Dec. 22, 2015. The value of the contract is SEK 120 million (US$ 14.28 mn).
     
Czech Republic to upgrade its fleet of JAS 39 Gripen fighter aircraft 640 001Czech Air Force's JAS 39D Gripen fighter aircraft
     
The upgrade for the Czech Republic will increase the aircraft’s ground attack capabilities through the integration of guided and unguided bombs. This provides the Czech Air Force with a greater capacity for precision attack of ground targets. The agreement also includes weapon pylons, software and training.

This is very beneficial for the Czech Air Force. With this upgrade the Czech Republic enhances its capabilities significantly and takes advantage of Gripen’s capabilities to an even greater extent,” says Marcus Hallberg, Project Manager at FXM.

The first leasing agreement for 14 Gripen C/D aircraft was signed with the Czech Republic in 2004. In 2014, FXM signed an agreement with the Czech Republic to extend the leasing agreement from the original 10 years until at least 2027. The Czech Republic was the first NATO member to fly Gripen.

FXM is responsible, until the end of 2015, for Sweden’s Gripen contracts with Hungary, the Czech Republic and Thailand. The Agency is currently also negotiating with Brazil and Slovakia on Gripen procurements.