Breaking news
French President : Delivery of second Mistral class LHD depends on Russia’s behavior.
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Naval Force News - Russia |
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French
President : Delivery of second Mistral class LHD depends on Russia’s
behavior |
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A decision on whether to deliver the second Mistral-class
LHD (amphibious vessel) to Russia will depend on Moscow's behavior over
the Ukraine crisis, French President François Hollande said on
July 21st, speaking during a dinner with the presidential press. |
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 Russian Navy Mistral class LHD Vladivostok |
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Hollande said that a first warship was nearly finished
and would be delivered as planned in October, despite strong opposition
from France's allies.
"For the time being, a level of sanctions has not been decided on that would prevent this delivery," Hollande said. "Does that mean that the rest of the contract - the second Mistral - can be carried through? That depends on Russia's behavior," Hollande added. For the second delivery to be cancelled, EU sanctions would have to be decided at the level of heads of state and government, a French government official said. Russia and France signed a contract for two Mistral-class helicopter carriers for $1.6 billion in June 2011. Under the contract, the first French Mistral-class amphibious assault ship, the Vladivostok, is to be delivered to Russia by the end of the year, while the second ship, the Sevastopol, is due to arrive next year. The ships are capable of carrying 16 helicopters, four landing craft, 70 armored vehicles and 450 soldiers, and are expected to be deployed with Russia’s Pacific Fleet. Check out our technical datasheet to learn more about the Mistral class |