Seaforth World Naval Review 2012

Book excerpt: 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. This year special features include in-depth studies of the navies of Brazil, Australia and Pakistan, plus analyses of three significant new warship classes: the USNs advanced amphibious warfare ship Makin Island (LHD-8): Swedens futuristic Visby class stealth corvettes; and 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 and the most recently released photographs and artists impressions. For anyone with an interest in contemporary naval affairs, whether an enthusiast or a defense professional, this annual has become required readin