It is no wonder that Combat Fleets is acknowledged the world over as the most comprehensive and authoritative single source of up-to-date information about the world s naval forces. For less than half the cost of other guides it provides far more details and illustrations and each succeeding edition is so thoroughly revised and updated that it is essentially a new book. This 1998-1999 edition is no exception. It has been completely reorganized and arranged according to a logical universal ship classification system making it even easier to use and improving comparisons between nations fleets. A totally new format presents ship and craft classes in a consistent order from new to old within type. The Russian section has been revised and greatly expanded based on a wealth of new official information about ships and equipment released over the past few years by Russian private and official sources. And this single-volume naval reference showcases some 4 300 photographs and drawings -- more than 90 percent of which are new -- obtained from governments industry and private sources. While the sections on the U.S. Russian Chinese and British navies are widely recognized as being the best and most complete available this amazing compendium does not slight the lesser navies. It includes the most accurate and timely data about the composition of the afloat coastal defense and aviation arms of more than 180 countries and territories including coast guards customs services and major marine police forces. Characteristics and capabilities of ships craft aircraft units weapons and sensors literally thousands of which are not to be found in any similar publication aredescribed in stunning detail. Assisted by dozens of experts from around the world editor A.D. Baker has again raised the standard for breadth of coverage volume of detail number of illustrations and ease of use for a one-volume reference to international naval forces. This unique book enters its second century of continuous publication with this edition and them is no expect anything less from the edition already being prepared for the millennium.