Norway is extensively testing its new Skjold surface-effect missile boat and expects (after the tests are completed) to build five-to-seven more such boats.--Stephen V Cole

The US Navy will retain the technical means to reactivate the battleships Iowa and Wisconsin until 2008, when it will certify that the DD21 destroyers can provide adequate naval gunfire support. The two battleships remain on the Naval Vessel Register in the highest category of inactive ships.--Stephen V Cole