Tender for heli-carriers to be issued in Oct – source

12.10.2010 It is expected that tender for procurement of assault landing ships for Russian Navy will be put out late Oct, reported a source in Main Navy HQ.

"It was previously planned that Russian defense ministry would issue the tender in Sept, but the date was postponed because of numerous incomplete documents", said the source to Interfax.

He assumed that tender offers might be promulgated at international naval show Euronaval 2010 which will be held in Oct 25-29 in Le Bourget.

A source in shipbuilding industry said in his turn that Russian shipyards had not received any invitations to tender so far.

Initially, Russia planned to purchase four assault landing ships for Russian Navy; two of them were supposed to be constructed abroad, other two – by Russian shipyards. In particular, there were talks of French Mistral class heli-carriers.

Later on, it was reported about a tender coming soon; according to latest statements of defense minister, it will be a close competition. Anatoly Serdiukov also added that Russia would afford procurement of only two vessels.

Prior to that, a top-ranking representative of Navy Main HQ said the decision to buy Mistral class helicopter carriers had been already made, so the tender would be held "formally".