Russian shipbuilders are capable to construct Mistral-type ships

24.05.2010 Russian shipyards are ready to start building Mistral-type helicopter carriers in case of certain instruction of the defense ministry, said Monday representatives of United Industrial Corporation (UIC) and United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC).

According to defense minister Anatoly Serdiukov, Russian Ministry of Defense holds precontractual talks on procurement of four Mistral-type helicopter carriers with three countries – Spain, Holland, and France. Defense ministry is about to sign a contract on four such ships, said Serdiukov having adding that the first carrier is planned to be completely built abroad, other three – with participation of Russian shipbuilders. Meanwhile, the fourth ship must be constructed in Russia to the greatest extent possible, said the minister.

Dmitry Morochenko, UIC press secretary in his turn said to RIA Novosti that shipyards subordinate to the corporation were technologically capable to built Mistral-type ships.

"If Russian defense ministry tasks us to build such ships, we're ready", said the official having mentioned that French partners had repeatedly visited UIC shipyards to familiarize with their production.

The contract-signing burden as of domestic production of Mistral heli-carriers is upon defense ministry, reminded Morochenko.

United Industrial Corporation (UIC) was established in 2004. Nowadays it is one of the Russia's largest industrial conglomerates. Total asset value of UIC makes over 300 bln RUR. In particular, the corporation controls shipbuilding assets; among them are the largest companies of the sector – Severnaya Verf, Baltiysky Zavod, Iceberg Design Bureau, and other engineering enterprises.

Igor Ryabov, the head of USC press service in his turn also reported to RIA Novosti that productive capacity of USC shipyards would be enough to build Mistral-type carriers.

"We're open to consider joint production of Mistrals with French partners. There's no difficulty about building such ships. Way back in Soviet time we had this experience, for example amphibious transport Ivan Rogov. So, there are no problems for USC to execute this order [on construction of Mistral carriers]", pointed out Ryabov.

United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC) was established in 2007. It comprises three regional centers – Western Shipbuilding Center (St. Petersburg), Northern Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Center (Severodvinsk), and Far East Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Center (Vladivostok). The government controls 100% shares. Authorised capital of USC makes 117 bln RUR.