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The issue of buying Mistral remains open
04.12.2009
Russia has not decided yet whether to buy French landing helicopter carrier Mistral. It is also uncertain which equipment will be installed on the ship – Russian or foreign, reported Interfax Wednesday referring to Alexander Fomin, deputy director of Federal Service for Military Industrial Cooperation.
According to him, there is nothing unnatural or frightening in Russia's plans to import some types of weapons and equipment. "It is well known that currently the integration level in Europe and worldwide is very high. Manufacturers of all kinds of arms and equipment may be counted on fingers. That is why Russia is presently learning that situation so import procurement is possible", he said.
Mr. Fomin heads the Russian delegation at large-scale international aerospace and naval exhibition LIMA-2009 being held in Malaysia until Dec 5.
Vice Admiral Oleg Burtsev, Deputy Chief of Navy Main HQ has previously told RIA Novosti that the command had considered necessary to purchase one French helicopter carrier Mistral and construction license on four ships of that class. It is planned that if the transaction is done, the ships will be based at Northern and Pacific Fleets.
Russian Navy's command considers the heli-carrier to be useful in landing, peacekeeping and rescue operations as well as in fighting piracy.
According to French media, the cost of the carrier will make 400-500 mln euro.
Last week Mistral paid an official call at St. Petersburg and took part in naval drills. After that Russian premier Vladimir Putin visited France and discussed potential bargain with French officials. The ship will be used in Russia's discretion, underlined Mr. Putin.
Instead of buying Mistral Russia may build similar ship itself, said Russian vice-premier Igor Sechin accompanied Putin in that visit. In case of receipt of order from Ministry of Defense, it could be executed by United Shipbuilding Corporation.
Meanwhile, Russian military experts raised voices against procurement of Mistral on Monday in Moscow. In their opinion, that is unfavorable deal from the military point of view. "That is a pleasure craft but not a warship; it is not protected by air defense and antiship defense means", Gen. Col. Leonid Ivashov, the president of Academy of Geopolitical Problems said to Interfax.
According to him, there has been no distinct answer on the question to naval authorities whether Russian Navy needs such ship or not. "Generally, such policy is very strange", he concluded.
Mistral-class helicopter carrier is not designed for landing operations named as the main reason for import, thinks in his turn Anatoly Tsyganok. "You ask why? That ship is designed to use NATO standard equipment. Some of our officials must have got a huge kickback", supposed an expert.
Source:
Russia has not decided yet whether to buy French landing helicopter carrier Mistral. It is also uncertain which equipment will be installed on the ship – Russian or foreign, reported Interfax Wednesday referring to Alexander Fomin, deputy director of Federal Service for Military Industrial Cooperation.
According to him, there is nothing unnatural or frightening in Russia's plans to import some types of weapons and equipment. "It is well known that currently the integration level in Europe and worldwide is very high. Manufacturers of all kinds of arms and equipment may be counted on fingers. That is why Russia is presently learning that situation so import procurement is possible", he said.
Mr. Fomin heads the Russian delegation at large-scale international aerospace and naval exhibition LIMA-2009 being held in Malaysia until Dec 5.
Vice Admiral Oleg Burtsev, Deputy Chief of Navy Main HQ has previously told RIA Novosti that the command had considered necessary to purchase one French helicopter carrier Mistral and construction license on four ships of that class. It is planned that if the transaction is done, the ships will be based at Northern and Pacific Fleets.
Russian Navy's command considers the heli-carrier to be useful in landing, peacekeeping and rescue operations as well as in fighting piracy.
According to French media, the cost of the carrier will make 400-500 mln euro.
Last week Mistral paid an official call at St. Petersburg and took part in naval drills. After that Russian premier Vladimir Putin visited France and discussed potential bargain with French officials. The ship will be used in Russia's discretion, underlined Mr. Putin.
Instead of buying Mistral Russia may build similar ship itself, said Russian vice-premier Igor Sechin accompanied Putin in that visit. In case of receipt of order from Ministry of Defense, it could be executed by United Shipbuilding Corporation.
Meanwhile, Russian military experts raised voices against procurement of Mistral on Monday in Moscow. In their opinion, that is unfavorable deal from the military point of view. "That is a pleasure craft but not a warship; it is not protected by air defense and antiship defense means", Gen. Col. Leonid Ivashov, the president of Academy of Geopolitical Problems said to Interfax.
According to him, there has been no distinct answer on the question to naval authorities whether Russian Navy needs such ship or not. "Generally, such policy is very strange", he concluded.
Mistral-class helicopter carrier is not designed for landing operations named as the main reason for import, thinks in his turn Anatoly Tsyganok. "You ask why? That ship is designed to use NATO standard equipment. Some of our officials must have got a huge kickback", supposed an expert.
Source:
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