Vladivostok must be prepared for Mistrals - Korotchenko

11.02.2011 Plans to station two Mistral class assault landing ships at Pacific Fleet set one to prepare basing infrastructure near Vladivostok at an early date, reported RIA Novosti referring to Igor Korotchenko, member of social council at Russian defense ministry.

According to him, on-time preparation of coastal infrastructure will ensure proper operation of Mistrals in 2014 when they would be commissioned into Pacific Fleet.

As an example of timely measures, Korotchenko mentioned submarine base in Viliuchinsk already prepared for accommodation of Borei class ballistic missiles submarines; note that the lead sub of Borei project still undergoes trials.

According to Korotchenko, Mistral ships based in Vladivostok would be able to accomplish tasks in close proximity to Kuril Islands.

Russian president Dmitry Medvedev said on Wednesday that Russian armed forces deployed at Kurils should be armed with advanced weapon systems. According to defense minister Anatoly Serdiukov, his agency will determine scope of new arms needed at Kurils.

Tokyo insists that islands Iturup, Kunashir, Shikotan and Habomai range occupying 8,600 sq km belong to Japan in accordance with international law. Japanese even call them "northern territories". Russia disputes Japan's claims to Kuril islands annexed by the Soviet Union after WW2.