Article Posted on : - Jul 06, 2010

French-built Mistral-class assault ship. A file photo.

MOSCOW (BNS): Russia is all geared up to procure the Mistral-class assault ships from France with all technology and equipment on it, except the weaponry and helicopters.

According to a news report by RIA Novosti, Russia will equip the ships with its own weaponry and helicopters.

The guns, missiles, torpedoes and helicopters will be made in Russia. Russian shipbuilders will also reinforce the hull for withstanding Arctic ice.

Russia is negotiating the purchase of at least one French-built Mistral class amphibious assault ship and are also planning to build two or three more vessels of the same class in partnership with the French naval shipbuilder DCNS, the report added.

"We are buying the Mistral warship with all proper navigational and technological equipment, including the fire control systems," a defence industry source was quoted as saying in the news report.

The 21,300 tonne Mistral-class ships operate as helicopter carriers and amphibious assault transports, with secondary capabilities as command ships, and an on-board hospital. Propulsion comes from 2 electric-powered manoeuvrable thruster pods, similar to those used on cruise ships, with 2 more bow thrusters for added manoeuvrability in tight situations.

The 650-foot Mistral is capable of transporting and deploying 16 helicopters, four landing barges, up to 70 armoured vehicles including 13 battle tanks, and 450 personnel.

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

The Mistral deal is expected to be completed by the end of the year 2010.