US Navy gives new jets trial run

The US Navy landed its new FA-18E/F Super Hornet attack fighter on the deck of a carrier for the first time on Saturday in trials off the coast of North Carolina. The Navy plans to spend $81bn (pounds 50bn) on 1,000 of the new jets, which will replace the recently retired A-6 Intruder, the F-14 Tomcat and the older FA-18 Hornet.

The Russian air force is also in the process of completing tests on its new jet fighter, the Sukhoi Su-32, Itar-Tass news agency said. Defence analysts speculate that it will replace Sukhoi's own Su-27 "Flanker", a mainstay of Russia frontline forces since the early 1980s.AP/Reuters - Washington