France sees no problems in Mistral technology transfer to Russia

10.12.2010 France does not see any problems in technology transfer of Mistral class assault landing ship to Russia, reports RIA Novosti referring to French Prime Minister Francois Fillon appeared at joint press conference with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.

"As for technology transfer, there are no problems at all", he said.

Fillon expressed confidence that talks on purchase of two helicopter carriers will be crowned with success.

Recall that Russian premier Vladimir Putin earlier said that Russia was interested in Mistral class landing ship only with appropriate technology and orders placed at Russian shipyards.

Russia's working group responsible for Mistral issues is headed by the biggest opponent of the sale – Vice Prime Minister and the head of directors' board of United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC) Igor Sechin. USC made defense ministry to issue an open tender for assault landing ships. However, the tender was closed-type and finished in mid-Nov. The tender results have not been announced so far.

Russian defense ministry is ready to consider offers of other companies, including USC which promises to build the ship for $500-700 mln in 30 months. Mistral is a 200-meter long assault landing ship. Her air wing includes 16 helicopters; six of them can be simultaneously placed on the flight deck.

Approximate price of Mistral in France is EUR 340-420 mln.