The Czech Air Force has received its first two L159 jet combat trainers on 10 April. It expects 19 more this year, 26 next year, and 25 in 2002. The biggest problem is that the Czechs bought the planes before the recent recession, and the lack of money is limiting the military budget at a time when contracts must be paid for the L159s. This will delay planned upgrades to the ground forces, including a refit to the T72 tanks.--Stephen V Cole