The Mistral "contract" was only a protocol of intent

15.06.2011 The sale contract on Mistral class helicopter carriers for Russia has not been signed so far, reported RIA Novosti on June 14 referring to a source involved in the negotiations.

Russian newspaper Kommersant wrote earlier on June 14 that Russia and France had signed a contract for 4 landing ships. The newspaper reported referring to own sources that the first two ships would be constructed in France and would cost Russia EUR 1.2 bln.

According to the RIA Novosti, now the question is only a protocol of intent. Date and place of the agreement conclusion is still being debated. Most likely, that would happen within the period of June 29 – July 3 in St. Petersburg during the International Maritime Defense Show.

Talks on sale of Mistral ships to Russia have been lasting for almost two years. For the first time the information on the coming sale emerged in Sept 2009.

French press also reported about the Mistral contract tied between Rosoboronexport (Russia) and DCNS (France). La Tribune wrote about the agreement conclusion on June 10. According to the newspaper's sources, the contract would be finally approved on June 21 during the Le Bourget international air show which is to be attended by Russian premier Vladimir Putin.