Since the last (1996) edition of this book, there have been major changes to the world's navies. A new generation of warships is entering service, replacing the fleets built up during the Cold War. The Russian navy is evolving as a much smaller, but better equipped force and the Pacific rim nations are poised to develop a truly capable blue water navy. Jane's Warship Recognition Guide provides technical specifications from Jane's Fighting Ships (published since 1898).