ess (phil hunt) wrote in message ...
On 17 Dec 2003 15:01:41 -0800, Karl wrote:
The Czech cabinet decided Wednesday to select new SAAB/BAe JAS 39C
Gripen 4th Generation Multirole jetfighters as replacement over
their MIG-21 fleet.
The Swedish offer outbid 4 other contenders, with the US offer of
used F-16's ending in last place, the Belgian F-16 offer came 2nd.

What came 3rd?

Holland and F-16.
Canada with CF-18 came 4th.

What definately gave Sweden the order was the fact it was brand new
high-tech jets with very low operational cost, plus offsets that
totally cover the lease period. The manufacturer will not be making
money from this special deal, this is the Swedish State offering 14
jets from the 204 pre-ordered for the Swedish Airforce. After the
5-10 year loan period, the Czech will again decide which jets to
equip their airforce with. Continue with the Gripen + add more of them,
or find something else.