Article Posted on : - May 27, 2011

A file photo.

DEAUVILLE (BNS): Russia is likely to sign its first amphibious assault ships Mistral contract with France in June, a media report said Thursday.

The contract will be signed during the Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin visit to Paris in June.

"The final contract with Russia on amphibious assault ships Mistral will be signed on June 21,” Itar-Tass quoted French President Nicolas Sarkozy as saying.

On January 25, France and Russia had signed a contract to jointly build the four Mistral class carriers. French shipyard companies DCNS and STX would build the two Mistral-class warships along with Russia's state-run United Shipbuilding Corporation.

Mistral class ships can carry and deploy up to 16 helicopters, including attack helicopters like France’s Tiger or Russia’s Ka-50/52. It has 4 landing barges or 2 medium hovercrafts, which deliver armored vehicles, tanks, and soldiers to shore.