Article Posted on : - Dec 15, 2009

MOSCOW (BNS): Russia, which is negotiating with France to buy the Mistral-class amphibious warship, is keen to build similar ships at home under transfer of technology clause.

“Russia is not interested in buying just one warship...What is of principal interest is shipbuilding technology that will enable the domestic defence industry to build similar ships.

“That is our unequivocal and categorical position,” a Defence Ministry official was quoted as saying by RIA Novosti.

He further said it was “senseless and wrong” to speak of buying weapon systems for the Navy without obtaining appropriate advanced technology for their subsequent production in Russia.

“This fully applies to the purchase of helicopter carriers abroad,” the official said.

Russia plans to buy the assault ship at a cost of around $600-$750 million and intends to build four more such ships in the country under French licensing.

Delegates from the two countries are scheduled to meet later this month to deliberate on the warship deal which Russia plans to finalise by the end of this year.

The ship is capable of transporting and deploying 16 helicopters, four landing barges, up to 70 vehicles including 13 main battle tanks, and 450 soldiers. The vessel is equipped with a 69-bed hospital and could be used as an amphibious command ship.

Russian Navy intends to deploy the Mistral-class warship in the Northern and Pacific fleets to conduct troop transport, peacekeeping and rescue missions. The helicopter carrier could also be used in anti-piracy operations.

Meanwhile, Russia is also talking to Netherlands and Spain to buy warships of the same class, the official said.