Russia, France sign deal on two Mistral-class helicopter carriers

25.01.2011 [21:20]
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Baku, January 25 (AZERTAC). Russian and French representatives have signed an agreement on building two navy ships that will be Russia`s first major weapons purchase since WWII.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Igor Sechin and French Defense Minister Alain Juppe signed the deal at a shipyard in the city of Saint-Nazaire on Tueday. French President Nicolas Sarkozy was present at the ceremony.

According to the contract, France will build and supply to Russia two helicopter carriers of Mistral class. Russian delegation visited the shipyard and examined a similar ship that is currently being built there for the French Navy.

Russia was in talks on the purchase of the helicopter carriers since 2009. The sides came to an agreement in December. According to the arrangement, France will supply two ships to Russia on the first stage and build two more ships later. The price of the deal was not disclosed, but analysts estimate the price of four ships at about 1.5 billion euros.

The Mistral class ship is capable of delivering a marine group to a scene of military operations and providing aircraft support there for an extended period. The ship can carry up to 16 helicopters, 40 tanks and 450 soldiers.

Russia, France sign deal on two Mistral-class helicopter carriers

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