The date has not yet been formalized, but it is now a mere formality.
Moscow, therefore, will receive without delay the first of the two French 'Mistral' class helicopter carriers, for which it has drawn a check from 1,6 billion dollars.
The 17 last March, it was the French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius who feared a possible freezing of the supply. Moscow replied that it would respect Paris's wishes only after receiving the 1,6 billion-dollar bill already collected to purchase the two ships.
At the same time, however, Fabius found that the loss of the contract with Moscow would have negatively affected the French economy.
The next 14 November, therefore, the Russian navy will receive from France its first 'Mistral' class amphibious assault helicopter carrier. The 'Vladivostok', was built at the DCNS shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, and the 15 was launched last October. Russia and France signed in the 2011, a contract of 1,6 billion dollars for two Mistral class helicopter carriers.
Each Russian 'Mistral' will carry sixteen Kamov Ka-52K attack helicopters, fourteen Ka-29 transport helicopters, four assault ships or seventy armored vehicles and 450 soldiers.
The second Mistral-class ship, the 'Sevastopol', according to contract should become part of the Black Sea Fleet by the 2015.
Franco Iacch
(photo: DCNS frame)
