The third and fourth of Russia’s new helicopter carriers will most probably be built at Sevmash shipyard in Severodvinsk, says Russia’s Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov. – The Frenchmen are deciding where it is easiest and fastest for them to establish production, the minister said according to RIA Novosti.
The first two vessels of the Mistral class for the Russian navy will be built in France. The two countries concluded a €1,2 billion contract in June 2011. The first vessel is planned to delievered in 2014, the second in 2015. The French state company DCNS has received advance and is ready to start construction.
At least one of the Mistral vessels will be based in the Northern Fleet, as Barents Observer reported earlier.
Mistral-class warships are designed for offensive power-projection through amphibious landings and air assault, using the combat helicopters and armored vehicles aboard in support of ground-force operations. The vessels are capable of carrying 16 helicopters, four landing vessels, 70 armored vehicles including 13 battle tanks. The vessels will be equipped with 8 Ka-52K helicopters and 8 Ka-29 helicopters.
The French – Russian Mistral deal is the first large-scale arms deal between a NATO country and Russia.
