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Russian Navy on course to buy Mistral ships
Published: 24 May, 2010, 16:07
Edited: 19 June, 2010, 22:12
RIA Novosti / Вanichev Aleksey, STF
TAGS: Arms, Military, NATO, Medvedev, Russia, Sarkozy, Politics, Europe, Terrorism, Budget, Big deal, Economy
Closing in for the kill, Russia is said to be in final talks to buy a flotilla of four French helicopter-carriers - a deal massive both in terms of the vessels' size and their price tag.
"At the moment we are in pre-contract talks on the warships with three states: Spain, the Netherlands and France. We plan to sign a contract for four of these ships," said Russia's Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov.
Serdyukov said Russia would like at least three of the vessels to be built with the help of Russian shipbuilders, including one at a Russian shipyard.
Talks to buy the Mistral vessels have been ongoing for more than a year – hampered by political controversy and financial disagreements. If agreed to, the deal would see Russia buying its first ever warship from a NATO country – an idea that has many opponents, both at home and abroad.
A Mistral vessel is estimated to cost 600 million euros – an exorbitant figure that some experts believe would have been better spent on supporting Russia's struggling ship-building industry.
The negotiations received an important boost earlier this year when Russia's President Dmitry Medvedev personally discussed it with his French counterpart Nicolas Sarkozy, calling the planned deal "a symbol of trust."
However, since then the French side has sought to amend the details of the deal, prompting Russia to widen the circle of potential sellers.
Serdyukov said Russia would only agree to purchase the ships if no amendments were made to the agreements, particularly those concerning financing. According to media reports, France would like to sell Russia at least one of the vessels without all necessary electronic equipment.
If purchased, the ships will be deployed by the Northern and Pacific fleets.
24.05.2010, 14:37
8 comments
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Ridiculous and an insult for the Russian shipyards which have build tremendous ice-breakers, submarines and all vessels needed in a modern navy. France is broke; Sarkozy needs his own "Air-Force One"; none of the 30 years old "Rafale" jet- fighter has been sold elsewhere than in the French Air Force. Nevertheless, we are unable to sell anything but military hardware. France is a peace-loving country who is so proud to have increased its 2009 her military sale by 20%. Sorry, I have an other vision of my country. I will like to see a great cooperation with Russia but not in this field. Best Regards. Jean-Claude Meslin
Let us ignore the fact that similar ships built in Spain and Italy offer more capabilities. Let's ignore the fact that the "Mistral" class is virtually defenseless and requires a fleet of escorts that Russia simply does not have, without which these ships quickly become underwater war monuments. Let's ignore the fact that a reduced size mock-up of a similar Russian designed Helicopter Landing Ship is sitting inside the Nevskyy Ship Design Bureau waiting to be built. Why does Russia need these ships? Seems like some Government Ministers are jealous of Abramovich's massive yachts and decided to buy some for themselves using Russian taxpayer's money. There is no other reason to explain this nonsense. I have read a million times from Russian Government bureaucrats how high the "comfort" level of the ship is, and not a single sentence about how defenseless it is. If there was logic and reason in the Defense Ministry they would buy convertible RO-RO Cargo Ships, and convert them as needed to Helicopter Platform ships or Vehicle Transports, and save a Billion Euros in costs.