Defense minister to discuss Russian-French military cooperation in Paris

07.09.2010 Russian defense minister Anatoly Serdiukov will discuss Europe's security issues, strengthening of non-proliferation regime, contingency interaction, and matters of resolving regional conflicts at the 9th session of Russian-French Security Cooperation Council, reported RIA Novosti citing Lt. Col. Irina Kovalchuk, defense minister's press secretary.

Anatoly Serdiukov left for Paris yesterday to take part in 9th session of Russian-French Security Cooperation Council; the session of foreign and defense ministers of the two countries is held in Paris on Sept 7.

"During his stay in Paris, Russian defense minister plans to conduct bilateral meeting with French counterpart Herve Morin. The parties are about to exchange views on military reforms being conducted in both countries", said Mrs. Kovalchuk. According to her, ministers will also discuss current state and perspectives of Russian-French relations in the area of military and technical cooperation.

A high-ranking source in Russian defense ministry reported to RIA Novosti that possible procurement of French Mistral-type landing ship would be also in agenda. The fact that one of delegates is Admiral Vladimir Vysotsky, Russian Navy Commander-in-Chief shows that the Mistral issue will be actually touched upon. At present, talks on purchase of those ships are at the final stage.

Russia holds negotiations with France about procurement of four Mistral-type multipurpose assault landing ships. Moscow insists that only first and second ships should be built in France, while other two ships should be completely constructed by Russian shipyards. Anatoly Serdiukov said on Aug 20 that the defense ministry issued an international tender for construction of two helicopter carriers. Serdiukov confirmed that manufacturer of Mistral also could compete in the tender which is to be held in Sept. Results of the tender will be announced till the year is over.

According to the French media, Mistral-type helicopter carrier will cost about 400-500 mln euro. The ship will be constructed by STX France (formerly, Chantiers de l'Atlantique), Saint-Nazaire. French company DCNS will be a partner. Currently, French Navy has two such ships in inventory – Mistral and Tonnerre.

Displacement of multipurpose assault landing ship Mistral is 21,000 tons; extreme length is 210 meters; speed is over 18 knots; operating range is up to 20,000 miles; crew is 160. Additionally, the ship is capable to carry 450 marines. Air group includes 16 helicopters; six of them can be simultaneously placed on the top deck.