These "Raptors" would permit the replacement of thirty-year-old F-15s with stealthy planes capable of providing assured air superiority and support for ground forces, even against enemies with advanced anti-aircraft defenses.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: John Kerry's defense budget

Its carrier, Invincible, is armed with unwanted anti-shipping helicopters and the wrong sort of Harriers, designed for air superiority rather than ground attack.

ECONOMIST: The shadow over Westminster

Mostly privately educated, they evinced an air of superiority that grated with Mr Birt, who seldom lets us forget that his roots are in working-class Liverpool.

ECONOMIST: British television