This first edition of an entirely new publication will, for the first time provide comprehensive information on what is one of the world's largest military force groupings. The European Union's 25 members states have defence forces that include over 1.6 million personnel and inventories that include over 35,000 armoured vehicles, 2,00 combat aircraft, 60 submarines and over 140 major surface vessels. Chapters will include important facts and figures related to European defence, detail concerning the European Union Military Committee and the European Defence Agency. Also included will be information about European Union military roles, the Eurocorps and European Union Battlegrounds. In addition there will be detail regarding the force structure of the 25 member states and characteristics of the major land, sea and air equipment. AUTHOR: Charles Heyman is a former officer and lecturer in Defence Studies at the Royal Air Force College in Cranwell. He is an author and defence consultant who has advised a number of defence companies and European Ministries of Defence. He is the editor of the highly successful British Army: A Pocket Guide. Selling points . The first book of its kind to cover the newly formed armed forces of the European Union . Invaluable reference work for all those interested in new developing co-operations with Britain's European partners . By the leading British authority on military organizations . Highly affordable and excellent value ILLUSTRATIONS Illustrated throughout