Russia to expand participation in Mistral shipbuilding project

05.03.2011 Russia will expand its participation in Russian-French shipbuilding project on four Mistral class assault landing ships, said Roman Trotsenko, president of United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC).

He reminded that execution of Russian-French shipbuilding agreement had started in Nov 2010.

"In total, France must deliver four ships to us. Our shipbuilders seek to expand their participation in staff training and to engage people into the project implementation", pointed out Trotsenko.

According to his appraisals, Russia's participation in building of the first ship would be 20%, the second one – 40%, the third one – 60%, and the fourth one – 80%. "Mistral constitutes no technical difficulties", said Trotsenko. "This ship is by no means a retaliatory weapon. Personally, I'm much surprised by a boom around this issue. That's nothing but a transport vessel", said Trotsenko.

As for USC president, this project could be realized by Admiralteyskie Verfi shipyard. "It would take our shipbuilders 36 months to implement this project", specified he.

"There's no point to invent a wooden bicycle, because Mistral project has been well-designed by experts from France, Spain and other countries", said Trotsenko. "What we have to do is to take their technology and master it in Russia", underlined USC president.

Answering the question of ITAR-TASS about the contract cost, Trotsenko said: "We're not concerned with this, that's job of Rosoboronexport".