Article Posted on : - May 24, 2010

The Mistral

MOSCOW (BNS): Defence Minister Anatoly Serdyukov Monday said Russia has reached the final stage of talks on the purchase of four French Mistral-class helicopter carriers.

"At the moment we are in pre-contract talks on the warships with three states: Spain, the Netherlands and France. We plan to sign a contract for four of these ships," RIA Novosti quoting Serdyukov said.

Russia will buy the ships only if no amendments were made to the agreements, particularly those concerning financing, the Minister said.

One of the ships would be built abroad and the other three with the help of Russian shipbuilders, he said adding, the full construction of the fourth vessel would take place in Russia.

The Russian Mistral to be deployed by the Northern and Pacific Fleets will be armed with combat helicopters Ka-52.

The 650-foot Mistral is capable of transporting and deploying 16 helicopters, up to 70 vehicles and 450 soldiers, although troop numbers can be doubled for short-term deployment.

According to preliminary data of Russian and French experts, the cost of one helicopter for the Russian Navy will be from 400 to 500 million euros, RIA Novosti said.