Russia, France struggle over Mistral contract

A Russian-French contract on the construction of Mistral class helicopter carriers for the Russian Navy is unlikely to be signed in the near future, a Russian deputy defense minister said.

Russia and France in January signed an intergovernmental agreement to jointly build two Mistral-class helicopter carriers at the STX shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France. Another two are planned to be constructed later at the Admiralty Shipyards in St. Petersburg.

Russia to buy Mistrals for EUR 1.5 bln – Popovkin

Procurement contract for two French Mistral class helicopter carriers and shipbuilding license for other two ships is evaluated at least as EUR 1.5 bln, said Russian deputy defense minister Vladimir Popovkin. 

"The question is purchase of two ready-made Mistral class ships from French company DCNS and license for construction of twoMistrals in Russia; the overall contract cost is evaluated as at least EUR 1.5 bln", said Popovkin in the interview to Defense Industry Review. 

He emphasized that Russia would buy from France two Mistral class assault landing ships with all navigational and technical equipment, including one of the key components – tactical control system (TCS). 

Designing of Russian analog for Mistral would take 10 years – General Staff

Construction of a ship analogous to Mistral class helicopter carrier without foreign participation could take ten years, said Gen. Makarov, Chief of Russian General Staff at Thursday's press conference. 

"Our country would need at least ten years to design aMistral-like ship. Someone could create better arms in this period", Makarov said. 

That is why he offers to import the most advanced weapons and produce their analogs in Russia. "Otherwise we will only have to buy", he said. 

Makarov added that state arms procurement program implies RUR 23 trillion spendings till 2020. Previously, it was officially reported about RUR 21 trillion. 

First two Mistrals to be based in Pacific Fleet

First two Mistral class helicopter carriers built by French shipyards for Russia will be handed over to Pacific Fleet (PF), reported Wednesday RIA Novosti referring to a source in Russian defense ministry. 

Russian president Dmitry Medvedev meeting with defense minister Anatoly Serdiukov and minister of regional development Viktor Basargin underlined the necessity to provide military units deployed in the Kurils with advanced arms in order to secure Russia's outposts. Defense ministry will analyze demands for new arms till the end of February, Serdiukov said. 

"After completion and commissioning of Mistral class ships, it is planned to station them at Pacific Fleet", said the source in defense ministry. 

Mistral components can be delivered to Russia for assemblage early in 2013

Sections of Mistral class helicopter carrier would be possibly delivered to Russia for further assemblage early in 2013, reports ARMS-TASSreferring to a representative of French shipbuilding company STX; being a part of international consortium, STX will participate in construction of two Mistral class ships in France and deliver constituent sections for further assemblage of two ships in St. Petersburg. 

As is known, the agreement on construction of Mistral landing ships was signed on Jan 25 in France. The document was endorsed by Russian vice premier Igor Sechin and French defense minister Alen Juppe. 

The ceremony was held in the presence of French president Nicolas Sarkozy at Saint-Nazaire shipyards, France. 

At present, negotiators determine scope of works for French and Russian parties. In particular, STX will construct about 80 per cent of the first ship and somewhat 60 per cent of the second one for further completion in Russia. Both ships will be delivered in sections to the United Shipbuilding Corporation which will be assembled, equipped and armed in St. Petersburg.