Russia to decrease order for Mistrals

27.09.2010 Russia can afford procurement of only two Mistral class landing docks, said Russian defense minister Anatoly Serdiukov.

According to him, the defense ministry plans to spend RUR 19 trillions for new arms in 2011-2020; this sum includes expenses for acquisition of not more than two helicopter carriers. Import of two such carriers is provided by state defense program for the nearest decade, but Russian Navy cannot afford to build other two ships at domestic shipyards, said the defense minister.

At present, the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Economic Development complete approval of 46% increase of arms procurement budget – from RUR 13 trillions to RUR 19 trillions. "This is minimal sum necessary to equip our armed forces with new weapons", underlined the minister.