Seaforth World Naval Review 2011

Book excerpt: Launched in 2009, this annual is rapidly establishing 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. This year special features include in-depth studies of the growing naval power of Turkey and South Korea, plus analyses of four significant new warship classes: the RN's Astute class nuclear attack submarines; India's Project 15 destroyers; the Norwegian Fridtjof Nansen, the smallest warship to carry the Aegis weapon system; and USS Independence, an innovative littoral combat ship designs.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 is set to become required reading.