Launched in 2009, this annual has rapidly established a reputation as an authoritative but 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 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. Planned special features for this year include in-depth studies of the navies of Italy and Ireland, plus analyses of significant new warship classes: the French Aquitaine class frigates, Indian Shivalik class Project 17 frigates, and US Bertholf class national security cutters.Intended to make interesting reading as well as providing authoritative reference, there is a strong visual emphasis, including specially commissioned drawings and the most recently released 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.