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April 9, 2000
   
The Czech government is sharply divided over plans to buy 36 new jet fighters, due to the high cost following the purchase of 72 L159 jet trainers. They are looking into the Eurofighter Typhoon, the Swedish JAS39 Gryphon, the US F-16C50 Falcon or F-18E Super Hornet, and the French Mirage 2000-5. The new planes are needed to replace ancient MiG-21s, Su-22s, and Su-25s. The Czechs studied a plan to pay NATO to base two squadrons of fighters at Czech bases and found it too expensive. They may lease planes if they cannot find the money to buy them. --Stephen V Cole