Russian MoD reports on Mistral's purpose

01.03.2010
If Russia buys French amphibious helicopter carrier Mistral, the vessel will be used as command and control ship, informs RIA Novosti referring to source in Russian Ministry of Defense. According to the source, defense ministry considers the ship's landing assault function as minor one.

Among other tasks of Mistral in Russian Navy are antisubmarine warfare, rescue people in emergencies, and transportation of people and cargo. According to MoD, Mistral consumes 2-3 times less fuel than Russian landing craft.

Russia is interested to purchase Mistral "with a view to learn and see what other countries produce", said Russian president Dmitry Medvedev in the interview to French Paris Match. Medvedev pointed out that Russia intends to purchase not only warships and not only French ones.

Talks on Mistral matter started in summer 2009. The question is sale of one helicopter carrier to Russia and four additional licenses permitting to build Mistral-class carriers at Admiralteyskie Verfi shipyard. Early Feb 2010 France approved the warship sale to Russia.

If France wins the contract, Mistral may cost Russia 450-500 mln euro and almost 1.5 bln euro including purchase of licenses. The carrier will be constructed by French companies STX France and DCNS under civil standards, i.e. without weapons and radars.

Some NATO countries criticize Mistral sale to Russia; Lithuania and Estonia even declared transaction of warship to Russia would pose a threat to their security. Russia's position is also ambiguous; for instance, United Shipbuilding Corporation is against the transaction since 1.5 bln euro could be invested in shipbuilding industry and placing of new defense orders.

Mistral-class ship has displacement of 21,300 tons; speed is up to 18.8 knots; cruising range is 19,800 nm. Mistral is capable to carry 16 heavy or 35 light helicopters, armor vehicles, landing cutters and 450-900 marines.

Source: Lenta.Ru, photo: Mistral at Lt. Schmidt Quay in St. Petersburg (AFP)