Serdiukov: Sevmash to Build Second Pair of Mistrals

22.12.2011 Most likely, third and fourth French Mistral-class assault landing ships will be constructed by Sevmash shipyard in Severodvinsk, said Russian defense minister Anatoly Serdiukov.

"French partners will determine where it would be easier and faster to prepare production. Most likely, that would be Sevmash", said the minister in the interview to Rossiyskaya Gazeta newspaper to be published on Thursday.

He emphasized that a number of issues must be settled prior to that. The main one is pricing, since Russia intends to buy third and fourth Mistrals at a lower price than the first two.

First and second Mistral-class multi-purpose amphibious assault ships for Russian Navy will be constructed in France; appropriate EUR 1.2-bln contract was signed in June 2011. As is planned, the first ship will be delivered to Russia in 2014, and the second – in 2015. French defense shipbuilding company DCNS earlier reported that it had obtained advance payment and was starting construction of the first Mistral-class helicopter carrier for Russia.

Hulls of the third and fourth Mistrals will be built in Russia. Director General of Rosoboronexport Anatoly Isaikin said in Sept 2011 that the second pair of ships would be 80% built in Russia and 20% - in France.

Displacement of Mistral-class assault landing ship is 21,000 tons; length overall is 210 meters; speed is over 18 knots; operating range is up to 20,000 miles; crew is 160 men plus 450 marines. Air wing comprises 16 helicopters including six placed on the flight deck. Russian Mistrals will be armed with eight Ka-52K and eight Ka-29 helicopters.