Now in its seventh year, this annual has established an international reputation as an authoritative but affordable summary of all that has happened in the naval world in the previous twelve months. It combines regional surveys with one-off major articles on noteworthy new ships and other important developments. Besides the latest warship projects, it also looks at wider issues of importance to navies, such as aviation and electronics, and calls on expertise from around the globe to give a balanced picture of what is going on and to interpret its significance. Next year's edition will look in detail at the French Navy and the Bangladesh and Myanmar navies, while significant ships will include the Montford Point class mobile landing platforms, the Samuel Becket offshore patrol vessels, and the Skjold class fast attack craft. There are technological reviews dealing with naval aviation by David Hobbs, and current mine warfare developments by Norman Friedman, while warship recycling is discussed by ian Buxton.
Intended to make interesting reading as well as providing authoritative reference, there is a strong visual emphasis, including specially commissioned drawings and the most uo-to-date photographs and artists' impressions. For anyone with an interest in contemporary naval affairs, whether an enthusiast or a defence professional, this annual has become required reading.