This annual has an established 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. This edition looks in detail at the Royal Navy as it faces the latest defence review, and evaluates the Indonesian Navy, while significant ships will include the USN's San Antonio class amphibious transports, the new Dutch OPVs, the Turkish Milgem class corvettes and the Greek Roussen class fast attack craft. There are also technological reviews dealing with naval aviation by David Hobbs, focussing on maritime patrol aircraft, while Norman Friedman surveys recent electronic warfare developments. Intended to make interesting reading as well as providing authoritative reference, there is a strong visual emphasis, including specially commissioned drawings and the most up-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.
