Article Posted on : - Nov 26, 2009

MOSCOW (BNS): France’s Mistral class amphibious warship which has docked at St. Petersburg in Russia, intends to woo its potential buyer by showing its maneuvering capabilities.

The warship will take part in a joint drill with Russian helicopters this week, media reports said. Several Russian engineers, shipbuilders and naval officials have visited the vessel since its arrival at St. Petersburg on Monday.

According to media reports, Russia will shell out around $750 million if it decides to buy the helicopter carrier for its Navy.

Negotiations are going on between the two sides to finalise the deal. The purchase, if successful, would be the first large-scale arms import deal concluded by Russia since the collapse of the Soviet Union.

The 23,700-ton assault ship can move at the speed of 18 knots to a distance of over 32,000 kms. It is capable of transporting and deploying 16 helicopters, four landing barges, up to 70 vehicles including 13 main battle tanks, and 450 soldiers.

Russian Navy plans to deploy it for peacekeeping, rescue and anti-piracy missions.

Meanwhile, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin is leaving for a two-day visit to France on Thursday. The two countries are likely to discuss the Mistral-class ship deal during the premier's talks with officials there.