Lithuanian defense minister to discuss Mistral issue

10.02.2010 Source: RIA Novosti, photo: Mistral-class helicopter carrier (military-today.com)

Lithuanian defense minister Rasa Jukneviciene, also temporarily acting as foreign minister plans to raise a question of France's intention to sell Mistral-class helicopter carrier to Russia at forthcoming EU defense ministers summit in Spain, reports Tuesday press service of Lithuanian Ministry of Defense.

"The decision to export advanced offensive military equipment to Russia demonstrates a particular trust between France and Russia. I advise Russia to also trust NATO and not to view the North Atlantic alliance as a threat to its national security", comments the press service decision by France to deliver Mistral-class helicopter carrier to Russia.

"I hope this issue to be discussed at coming meeting of European defense ministers in Spain. Perhaps, this case would be a reason for Europe and the UN to apply principles of strategic exports more sequentially and transparently as well as to achieve their unified interpretation", said the minister.

She also expressed hope that in future Lithuania's allies "would consult the North Atlantic alliance prior to make decisions affecting NATO security interests".

French President Nikolas Sarkozy meeting with the head of Pentagon Robert Gates on Monday rejected his concern of military threat related to export of Mistral to Russia. At the same day French government declared its consent to deliver one heli-carrier to Russia and willingness to receive Russian inquiry for technology to build three more ships of this class.

According to French media, cost of one Mistral-class helicopter carrier makes 400-500 mln euro. She will be built at STX France shipyards (former Chantiers de l'Atlantique) located in Saint-Nazaire.

Multipurpose helicopter carrier Mistral has displacement of 21,000 tons and extreme length of 210 meters; max speed is over 18 knots; operating range is up to 20,000 miles; crew is 160, the carrier is capable to accommodate 450 marines on board.

Air group consists of 16 helicopters; six of them can be simultaneously placed on the deck.