Combat Capability [42%],
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Structure of the Navy,
in-service ships, surface ships, submarines, chronology.
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Russian Ministry of Defense confirms the fact of French heli-carrier procurement
09/19/2009 Source:Russian MOD is negotiating with French partners about purchase of Mistral-type helicopter carrier, said Vladimir Popovkin, Deputy Minister of Defense for armament on Saturday.
"We're just talking, there are no any procurements yet", said Popovkin on the air to Ekho Moskvy radio.
Deputy Minister reported that the purchase of the heli-carrier is dictated, among other reasons, by the possibility of study the construction techniques of aircraft carriers to build one for Russian Navy on the basis of Mistral vessel.
"Probably, we will build own aircraft carrier based on Mistral principles... Peter the First studied nautics abroad, we also need to learn something", Popovkin said.
Amphibious helicopter carrier Mistral which length is about 200 m is capable to carry six helicopters, four assault boats or two air-cushion vessels, and also up to 450 marines.
Two ships of this type are presently in service of French Navy. According to France Press agency, their total cost makes around ? 600 million.