> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.adriadefense.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Ray Service Launches Largest Investment Program in Czechia - URL: https://www.adriadefense.com/ray-service-launches-largest-investment-program-in-czechia/ - Published: 2026-08-17T15:56:10.000Z - Updated: 2026-08-17T15:56:10.000Z - Description: Ray Service is expanding production, R&D and testing capacity as the Czech supplier prepares for F-35, Leopard 2A8 and other defense programs. - Author: C.P. - Tags: Czech Republic, defense industry, CEE, Industry, Ray Service, F-35, Defense Manufacturing Ray Service has launched the largest investment program in its history, expanding manufacturing, research and development, testing and engineering capacity in the Czech Republic. The Staré Město-based defense supplier is preparing for growing work across Czech and allied programs including the F-35 Lightning II, Leopard 2A8, CV90 and other military platforms. Czech Defense Minister Jaromír Zůna marked the new investment phase during a July 17 visit to the company's headquarters in Staré Město near Uherské Hradiště. The program includes a new manufacturing building, another production facility and further investment in automation, digitalization and testing technologies. ## Ray Service adds manufacturing capacity in Staré Město and Podolí The expansion includes construction of a new manufacturing building at the company's Staré Město headquarters and the acquisition of a production plant in Podolí. Ray Service is also integrating Czech electric propulsion specialist MGM Compro into the Ray Service Group. The company plans additional spending on manufacturing technologies, automation, digitalization, research and development, and new testing equipment. [Ray Service](https://www.rayservice.com/?ref=adriadefense.com) has not disclosed the total financial value of the investment program or a detailed schedule for bringing the additional capacity online. According to the company, the expansion will create dozens of jobs initially and potentially hundreds over time across manufacturing, engineering and R&D. Ray Service also plans to expand cooperation with secondary schools, universities and technical institutions as it builds its workforce. The investment comes as Ray Service moves beyond its established role in cable harnesses and electromechanical assemblies. The company has also introduced its EGIS Family product platform as part of an effort to increase its own product development capabilities. ## F-35 and Leopard 2A8 programs widen Ray Service's role The timing connects the capacity expansion directly with a growing portfolio of Czech military modernization programs. Ray Service participates in projects involving CV90 infantry fighting vehicles, Leopard 2A8 tanks, F-35 Lightning II combat aircraft, TITUS armored vehicles, Pandur II vehicles, CAESAR self-propelled howitzers and short-range air defense systems, according to the Czech Ministry of Defense. The company also supplies components for defense programs in other NATO and European Union countries. Its position in the F-35 supply chain expanded in March 2026, when Ray Service and [Lockheed Martin](https://www.lockheedmartin.com/?ref=adriadefense.com) signed an industrial cooperation agreement covering cable harnesses for F-35 aircraft. Ray Service became the tenth Czech company to sign an agreement under the industrial cooperation framework associated with Prague's F-35 acquisition. Ray Service also signed a contract with [KNDS](https://www.knds.com/?ref=adriadefense.com) in May 2026 for deliveries connected with the Leopard 2A8 CZ program. The agreement gives the Czech supplier another route into a major European land-systems supply chain beyond domestic deliveries. ## Sign up for AdriaDefense – CEE & SEE Defense News, Analysis Daily defense news, analysis and industry intelligence from Central and Eastern Europe and Southeast Europe. Subscribe Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. ## Czech defense expansion is moving deeper into the supply chain The significance of the Ray Service investment lies less in the construction of an individual factory than in the programs the additional capacity could support. Czech military modernization now spans combat aircraft, main battle tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, artillery, armored vehicles and air defense. Ray Service's participation across several of these programs places electrical systems, cable harnesses, electromechanical assemblies and testing capabilities within the domestic industrial component of multiple procurement projects. This also gives the company exposure to both US and European defense supply chains. F-35 work connects Ray Service with Lockheed Martin, while Leopard 2A8 production links the company with KNDS and the expanding European armored-vehicle market. The investment therefore illustrates a broader shift in Central European defense manufacturing. Rising procurement volumes are creating opportunities not only for prime contractors and vehicle manufacturers, but also for specialized suppliers whose components can move between domestic programs and multinational production chains. Ray Service expects to continue expanding manufacturing capacity, infrastructure and internally developed products over the coming years. The key measure will be how much of the new capacity translates into recurring production for Czech and allied programs rather than individual industrial participation agreements. --- ## Ray Service investment: key questions ### What is Ray Service investing in? Ray Service is building a new manufacturing facility at its Staré Město headquarters, acquiring a production plant in Podolí and investing in automation, digitalization, manufacturing equipment, testing technologies and R&D. The company is also integrating MGM Compro into the Ray Service Group. ### Which Czech defense programs involve Ray Service? The Czech Ministry of Defense identifies Ray Service as a participant in programs involving the F-35, Leopard 2A8, CV90, TITUS, Pandur II, CAESAR and short-range air defense. ### What will Ray Service supply for the F-35? Under an industrial cooperation agreement signed with Lockheed Martin in March 2026, Ray Service will produce cable harnesses for the F-35 program. The agreement forms part of the industrial cooperation framework connected with the Czech Republic's acquisition of the aircraft. ### How much is Ray Service investing? Ray Service has described the expansion as the largest investment program in its history but has not disclosed a total investment value in the information released to date.