Launched in 2009 this annual has rapidly established a reputation as an authoritative but completely affordable summary of all that has happened in the naval world in the previous twelve months. It combines the standing features of regional surveys with one-off major articles on noteworthy new ships & other important developments. Besides the latest warship projects it also looks at wider issues of importance to navies such as aviation & electronics & calls on expertise from around the globe to give a balanced picture of what is going on & to interpret its significance. This year special features include in-depth studies of the navies of Brazil Australia & Pakistan plus analyses of three significant new warship classes: the USN's advanced amphibious warfare ship Makin Island (LHD-8): Sweden's futuristic Visby class stealth corvettes; & the BAE Systems offshore patrol vessels. Intended to make interesting reading as well as providing authoritative reference there is a strong visual emphasis including specially commissioned drawings & the most recently released photographs & artists' impressions. For anyone with an interest in contemporary naval affairs whether an enthusiast or a defence professional this annual has become required readin