Russia, France to sign contracts for third and fourth Mistrals this year – Serdiukov

07.09.2011 Russia and France will sign contracts for construction of third and fourth Mistral-class assault landing ships for Russian Navy in the current year, reports RIA Novosti on Sept 7 referring to the statement of defense minister Anatoly Serdiukov.

"Most likely, we will finish the negotiations and sign those contracts in this year", reports RIA Novosti citing Serdiukov.

According to Russian defense minister, third and fourth Mistrals will be built in Russia.

Recall that the EUR 1.2-bln contract for two Mistral-class assault landing ships for Russian Navy was signed on June 17, 2011 at XV St. Petersburg International Economic Forum after months of painstaking negotiations. According to the contract terms, Mistrals will be built by French shipyards DCNS with participation of JSC United Shipbuilding Corporation. The first ship is expected to join Russian navy in three years.

Reference

Full displacement of Mistral-class assault landing ship is 21,300 tons; speed is 19 knots; capacity is 450 marines and 59 land vehicles (including 13 tanks), 16 heavy helicopters (or about 30 light ones) including six on the flight deck, 4 boats or 2 fast speed air-cushion vessels; hull length is 199 meters; beam is 32 meters; draft is 6.3 meters; fuel range at 15 knots is about 20,000 miles; crew is 160 including 20 officers.