Russian defense ministry issued a tender for helicopter carriers

27.10.2010 Russian Ministry of Defense issued a tender for multipurpose helicopter carriers, reported deputy defense minister Vladimir Popovkin at Euronaval-2020, Le Bourget.

"We have issued a tender for two ships and technology transfer for further batch", said Popovkin.

He said that is the closed tender, so he has no right to disclose its conditions. "But we addressed invitations to all countries producing ships of such class", Popovkin said.

He expressed hope that partners would send their offers in mid-November. "As the minister said, contract for procurement and building of helicopter carriers will be signed till the year is over", said the deputy defense ministry.

He added that all tender-related documents will be considered before November ends. "Afterwards, we're going to hold certain negotiations with official winner and discuss terms of the tender execution, customization (replacement of foreign parts with Russian ones) and technology transfer", Popovkin said.

Answering the question about expediency of procurement and production of Mistral ships, Popovkin said that "General Staff and Navy Command perceive mission and role of those ships in near and far ocean zones".

"All other things is a military secret", said the deputy defense minister.