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Medvedev explained the need for Mistral
02/26/2010 |
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Russia is interested to purchase advanced foreign weapons "with a view to learn and see what other countries produce", said Russian president Dmitry Medvedev in the interview to French Paris Match. According to Medvedev, Russia intends to buy French Mistral-class helicopter carrier in order to learn how to build such ships in Russia.
The president did not answer the question whether he plans to settle Mistral issue during visit to France in March 1-3, 2010. However, Medvedev pointed out that Russia intends to purchase not only warships and not only French ones.
Talks on Mistral matter started in summer 2009. The question is sale of one helicopter carrier to Russia and three additional licenses permitting to build Mistral-class carriers at Admiralteyskie Verfi shipyard. Early Feb 2010 France approved the warship sale to Russia and later on said the ship would be sold without arms.
Some NATO countries criticize Mistral sale to Russia; Lithuania and Estonia even declared transaction of warship to Russia would pose a threat to their security.
If France wins the contract, the carrier will be constructed by French companies STX France and DCNS. Since the very beginning of negotiations it was determined that the ship would be built under civil standards – without weapons and radars. Mistral may cost Russia 450-500 mln euro and almost 1.5 bln euro including purchase of licenses.
Mistral-class ship has displacement of 21,300 tons; speed is up to 18.8 knots; cruising range is 19,800 nm. Mistral is able to carry 16 heavy or 35 light helicopters, armor vehicles, landing cutters and 450-900 marines.
Source: , photo: Mistral at Lt. Shmidt Quay in St. Petersburg (AFP)