Talks on procurement of French carrier Mistral are on hold

02.06.2010 Russia and France hold negotiations on technical profile of helicopter carrier Mistral; upon results of the talks it will be finally decided how many ships of this type will be built in France and in Russia, reported RIA Novosti referring to Vyacheslav Dzirkaln, deputy director of Federal Service for Military Technical Cooperation (FSMTC).

"Active phase of negotiations is in progress, we conduct consultations to define technical profile of Mistral. In accordance with results we will decide how many ships will be purchased and how many will be constructed by Russian shipyards", said Dzirkaln.

As for him, Moscow "is interested is this class of ships and prefer them to be made in Russia".

Last week Russian defense minister Anatoly Serdiukov said to RIA Novosti that Russia intended to have four carriers; one ship could be bought ready-to-use and the rest three ships could be built at domestic yards under French license.

Total displacement of helicopter carrier Mistral is 21,000 tons; length is 200 meters, beam is 32 meters; speed is 19 knots; operational range is 20,000 miles. The ship is capable to carry 6 helicopters on the deck; 4 landing boats or 2 air cushion vessels and up to 450 marines inside.

According to preliminary estimates of Russian and French experts, one heli-carrier will cost Russian Navy about 400-500 mln euro.