Yeah, sounds like buying these ships is a pretty dumb idea. They probably won't be used, and there isn't much prestige value to them. As far as them being an intimidating flex of Russian muscle, that is an absurd allegation. Missiles and planes and the platforms that carry them are the meat of Russian-American threat analysis as they should be.

William. Come and invade us. Like ants please.. You know, as ants, we do not really need boats.

buying these ships is a really bad idea. 2 Billions of dollars could be used up on improving the quality of life in Russia. Russia's population has dropped from 148 million to 142 million since 1991 and what Russia's decides to do is buy a helicopter carrying vessel??? for 2 billion!!! Except for Venezuela, Russia has no other interests in countries that are a far away. And nothing BIG is happening in Venezuela.... so this ship is useless for the time being and when it will be needed it will probably be out-dated and rusty. Russia, this is a bad decision, rather spend it on the infamous roads that you have.

[quote]2 Billions of dollars could be used up on improving the quality of life in Russia.[/quote] I laugh when I see such things. Russia spends x number of billion dollars a year on its military, yet when its military decides to spend that money there are people who whine about it being better spent on other things. The money is set aside for the Russian Navy. Perhaps there is some intelligent thought put into this decision, and perhaps there is not, but if you are not going to spend money on landing ships then why waste money on Russian Naval Infantry forces at all? If Russia wants to become a global power, which even the Soviet Union never really was because it was hemmed in by opposing ideologies, then it needs this sort of vessel to do it. I don't mean to invade Brazil, or keep the Falklands Islands British. If there was another flood in Myanmar a Russian vessel would more likely to be accepted than an American or European one. The British didn't develop a global empire and THEN develop its navy. The US didn't suddenly become a world power and then develop its navy. The navy comes first and then the benefits from that include influence beyond your borders. I think Medvedev has said a few times recently, when you get new money you can waste it on upgrading old stuff, or you can buy all new stuff and get the full benefit of the spending. Paying for a Mistral to be built in France and then 4-5 more vessels built in Russia is good for the Russian Navy and the Russian Naval industry. It further cements closer ties with France as well. As a hospital ship or the centre of an anti sub group, or to support amphibious operations this vessel looks pretty good. Put decent Russian helos on it and it should be quite a capable vessel.

Am a little confused - why is it that when Russia wants to develop itself there are those who say no no no, but it is ok for America and England to squander billions whilst the plight of their homeless and needy (not those who are there for the gravy train) go forgotten. Russia is doing alright, in fact better than the West. Good on Russia, prove them wrong.