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France approves sale of Mistral warship to Russia
RIA Novosti
08/02/201018:33
PARIS/MOSCOW, February 8 (RIA Novosti) - France has agreed to sell Russia a Mistral-class amphibious assault ship and received an order to build another three, Radio France Internationale reported Monday.
"It's no longer one command ship, but four," Jacques de Lajugie, head of international sales at the French Defense Ministry, was quoted as saying.
He added, however, that the new order was being examined "on a technical level" and needed to be "vetted at a political level."
Originally it was thought Russia would buy one of the vessels and build up to four more under license.
Moscow has yet to officially confirm the agreement.
The radio station said the report coincided with the Defense Ministry's announcement earlier on Monday that French arms sales reached 7.95 billion euros in 2009, 21% higher than 2008.
Russian industry officials have said it would be "senseless and wrong" to speak of buying weapon systems for the Navy without obtaining appropriate advanced technology for their subsequent production in Russia.
Deputy Prime Minister Igor Sechin said in late November that Russia could build its own helicopter carrier on a par with the Mistral-class warship, and that the Defense Ministry could contract the United Shipbuilding Corporation to build it.
The Russian military earlier announced that it was considering buying one of the Mistral-class ships, worth 400-500 million euros (around $600-$750 million), and potentially building three or four vessels of the same class in partnership with the French naval shipbuilder DCNS.
A Mistral-class ship is capable of transporting and deploying 16 helicopters, four landing barges, up to 70 vehicles including 13 battle tanks, and 450 soldiers. The vessel is equipped with a 69-bed hospital and can be used as an amphibious command ship.
Many Russian military and industry experts have questioned the financial and military sense of the purchase.
Russia's current arms procurement program through 2015 does not provide for construction or purchases of large warships, so the acquisition of the French warship is more likely under a new program, through 2020, which has yet to be finalized.
http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/library/news/russia/2010/russia-100208-rianovosti01.htm
Russia in talks on buying French warship
Russian Patriot- Master Sergeant
- Posts: 329
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Russian Patriot- Master Sergeant
- Posts: 329
Points: 670
Join date: 2009-07-21
Age: 19
Location: USA- although I am Russian
Russia still weighing Mistral warship options - security chief
RIA Novosti
09/02/201016:45
MOSCOW, February 9 (RIA Novosti) - The Russian leadership is still considering whether to buy a Mistral-class amphibious assault ship from France or to build a similar ship domestically, Russia's top security official said Tuesday.
France said on Monday it had agreed to sell Russia a Mistral-class warship, worth 400-500 million euros (around $600-$750 million), despite concerns of some of Russia's former Soviet bloc allies, including those now in NATO, that the sale could threaten regional security.
"We could build a ship of this class on our own, but this will take time, or we could buy it abroad, but it will cost a lot of money," Secretary of Russia's Security Council Nikolai Patrushev said at a news conference in RIA Novosti.
"It would be premature to speculate now about which decision will be adopted, but both of them should be studied," Patrushev said.
A source close to the Kremlin said on Tuesday the decision on Mistral would be taken on the highest political level in the near future, possibly before the visit of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev to France at the beginning of March.
A Mistral-class ship is capable of transporting and deploying 16 helicopters, four landing barges, up to 70 vehicles including 13 battle tanks, and 450 soldiers. The vessel is equipped with a 69-bed hospital and can be used as an amphibious command ship.
Despite strong opposition in the Russian defense industry, the military has insisted Russia needed Mistral-class warships to modernize its aging fleet of combat surface ships.
"If a positive decision is taken, the first vessels of this class will be deployed in Russia Far East to strengthen the Pacific Fleet which has suffered the most in the 1990s due to the lack of funds for ship repairs," a Russian military source told RIA Novosti on Tuesday.
The military has also said a Mistral-class warship would have allowed the Russian Navy to conduct a more efficient operation in the Black Sea during the Russia-Georgia war.
However, some military experts say Russia has no need for such a vessel, and many believe that Russia simply wants to gain access to advanced naval technology that could be used in potential future conflicts with NATO and its allies.
If the deal goes through, it would be the first sale of a major piece of military equipment by a NATO member to Russia.
http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/library/news/russia/2010/russia-100209-rianovosti02.htm
RIA Novosti
09/02/201016:45
MOSCOW, February 9 (RIA Novosti) - The Russian leadership is still considering whether to buy a Mistral-class amphibious assault ship from France or to build a similar ship domestically, Russia's top security official said Tuesday.
France said on Monday it had agreed to sell Russia a Mistral-class warship, worth 400-500 million euros (around $600-$750 million), despite concerns of some of Russia's former Soviet bloc allies, including those now in NATO, that the sale could threaten regional security.
"We could build a ship of this class on our own, but this will take time, or we could buy it abroad, but it will cost a lot of money," Secretary of Russia's Security Council Nikolai Patrushev said at a news conference in RIA Novosti.
"It would be premature to speculate now about which decision will be adopted, but both of them should be studied," Patrushev said.
A source close to the Kremlin said on Tuesday the decision on Mistral would be taken on the highest political level in the near future, possibly before the visit of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev to France at the beginning of March.
A Mistral-class ship is capable of transporting and deploying 16 helicopters, four landing barges, up to 70 vehicles including 13 battle tanks, and 450 soldiers. The vessel is equipped with a 69-bed hospital and can be used as an amphibious command ship.
Despite strong opposition in the Russian defense industry, the military has insisted Russia needed Mistral-class warships to modernize its aging fleet of combat surface ships.
"If a positive decision is taken, the first vessels of this class will be deployed in Russia Far East to strengthen the Pacific Fleet which has suffered the most in the 1990s due to the lack of funds for ship repairs," a Russian military source told RIA Novosti on Tuesday.
The military has also said a Mistral-class warship would have allowed the Russian Navy to conduct a more efficient operation in the Black Sea during the Russia-Georgia war.
However, some military experts say Russia has no need for such a vessel, and many believe that Russia simply wants to gain access to advanced naval technology that could be used in potential future conflicts with NATO and its allies.
If the deal goes through, it would be the first sale of a major piece of military equipment by a NATO member to Russia.
http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/library/news/russia/2010/russia-100209-rianovosti02.htm
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French president defends sale of Mistral warship to Russia
RIA Novosti
09/02/201012:47
MOSCOW, February 9 (RIA Novosti) - French President Nicolas Sarkozy has defended his decision to allow the sale of a Mistral-class amphibious assault ship to Russia by saying it would not threaten regional security, the Daily Herald reported.
The potential sale has alarmed some of Russia's former Soviet bloc allies, including those now in NATO, especially after the Russia-Georgia conflict over South Ossetia in August 2008.
Sarkozy told U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates at a brief meeting on Monday that in his opinion the sale did not pose a military problem because Russia should be treated as a real partner.
"One cannot expect Russia to behave as a partner if we don't treat it as one," Sarkozy said.
Russia earlier announced that it was considering buying one of the Mistral-class ships, worth 400-500 million euros (around $600-$750 million), and potentially building three or four vessels of the same class in partnership with the French naval shipbuilder DCNS.
A Mistral-class ship is capable of transporting and deploying 16 helicopters, four landing barges, up to 70 vehicles including 13 battle tanks, and 450 soldiers. The vessel is equipped with a 69-bed hospital and can be used as an amphibious command ship.
The Russian military has claimed that a Mistral-class warship would have allowed the Russian Navy to conduct a more efficient operation in the Black Sea during the Russia-Georgia war.
However, many experts believe that Russia simply wants to gain access to advanced naval technology that could be used in the future in potential conflicts with NATO and its allies.
French Defense Minister Herve Morin said on Monday it was time to turn the page on Cold War-era antagonisms with Russia and start a new relationship with Moscow through new exchanges.
If the deal goes through, it would be the first sale of a major piece of military equipment by a NATO member to Russia.
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/news/2010/02/mil-100209-rianovosti02.htm
RIA Novosti
09/02/201012:47
MOSCOW, February 9 (RIA Novosti) - French President Nicolas Sarkozy has defended his decision to allow the sale of a Mistral-class amphibious assault ship to Russia by saying it would not threaten regional security, the Daily Herald reported.
The potential sale has alarmed some of Russia's former Soviet bloc allies, including those now in NATO, especially after the Russia-Georgia conflict over South Ossetia in August 2008.
Sarkozy told U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates at a brief meeting on Monday that in his opinion the sale did not pose a military problem because Russia should be treated as a real partner.
"One cannot expect Russia to behave as a partner if we don't treat it as one," Sarkozy said.
Russia earlier announced that it was considering buying one of the Mistral-class ships, worth 400-500 million euros (around $600-$750 million), and potentially building three or four vessels of the same class in partnership with the French naval shipbuilder DCNS.
A Mistral-class ship is capable of transporting and deploying 16 helicopters, four landing barges, up to 70 vehicles including 13 battle tanks, and 450 soldiers. The vessel is equipped with a 69-bed hospital and can be used as an amphibious command ship.
The Russian military has claimed that a Mistral-class warship would have allowed the Russian Navy to conduct a more efficient operation in the Black Sea during the Russia-Georgia war.
However, many experts believe that Russia simply wants to gain access to advanced naval technology that could be used in the future in potential conflicts with NATO and its allies.
French Defense Minister Herve Morin said on Monday it was time to turn the page on Cold War-era antagonisms with Russia and start a new relationship with Moscow through new exchanges.
If the deal goes through, it would be the first sale of a major piece of military equipment by a NATO member to Russia.
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/news/2010/02/mil-100209-rianovosti02.htm
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France expects Russian decision soon on buying Mistral warship
RIA Novosti
18/02/201012:09
NEW DELHI, February 18 (RIA Novosti) - French naval shipbuilder DCNS said on Thursday it expected to receive a final answer from Russia soon on buying a Mistral-class helicopter carrier.
"The company is interested in cooperation with Russia. Now we are waiting only for a political decision. We believe we'll receive an answer from Moscow soon," Benoit de la Bigne, a DCNS executive, said.
The Russian military earlier announced that it was considering buying one of the Mistral-class amphibious assault ships, worth 400-500 million euros (around $540-$675 mln), and potentially building three or four vessels of the same class in partnership with the French naval shipbuilder DCNS.
A Mistral-class ship is capable of transporting and deploying 16 helicopters, four landing barges, up to 70 vehicles including 13 battle tanks, and 450 soldiers. The vessel is equipped with a 69-bed hospital and can be used as an amphibious command ship.
Many Russian military and industry experts have questioned the financial and military sense of the purchase.
Russia's current arms procurement program through 2015 does not provide for the construction or purchases of large warships, so the acquisition of a French warship is more likely under a new program, through 2020, which has yet to be developed.
The executive also said that India was displaying interest as well in buying a Mistral-class warship.
http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/library/news/russia/2010/russia-100218-rianovosti02.htm
RIA Novosti
18/02/201012:09
NEW DELHI, February 18 (RIA Novosti) - French naval shipbuilder DCNS said on Thursday it expected to receive a final answer from Russia soon on buying a Mistral-class helicopter carrier.
"The company is interested in cooperation with Russia. Now we are waiting only for a political decision. We believe we'll receive an answer from Moscow soon," Benoit de la Bigne, a DCNS executive, said.
The Russian military earlier announced that it was considering buying one of the Mistral-class amphibious assault ships, worth 400-500 million euros (around $540-$675 mln), and potentially building three or four vessels of the same class in partnership with the French naval shipbuilder DCNS.
A Mistral-class ship is capable of transporting and deploying 16 helicopters, four landing barges, up to 70 vehicles including 13 battle tanks, and 450 soldiers. The vessel is equipped with a 69-bed hospital and can be used as an amphibious command ship.
Many Russian military and industry experts have questioned the financial and military sense of the purchase.
Russia's current arms procurement program through 2015 does not provide for the construction or purchases of large warships, so the acquisition of a French warship is more likely under a new program, through 2020, which has yet to be developed.
The executive also said that India was displaying interest as well in buying a Mistral-class warship.
http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/library/news/russia/2010/russia-100218-rianovosti02.htm
Russian Patriot- Master Sergeant
- Posts: 329
Points: 670
Join date: 2009-07-21
Age: 19
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Russia to use Mistral-class carrier as command ship - source
RIA Novosti
26/02/201013:24
MOSCOW, February 26 (RIA Novosti) - If Moscow buys a Mistral-class helicopter carrier from France, it will be used principally as an amphibious command ship, a Russian Defense Ministry source said on Friday.
The official said the Mistral was basically a "force projection" command ship for various task groups or combined-arms forces operating at sea.
He stressed that from the Russian Navy's perspective, the ship's capability for amphibious assault operations is an important but not principal function.
The Russian military earlier announced that it was considering buying one of the Mistral-class amphibious assault ships, worth 400-500 million euros (around $540-$675 million), and potentially building three or four vessels of the same class in partnership with the French naval shipbuilder DCNS. The French government has approved the sale but Russia has not yet made a final decision.
There are concerns that Russia could use the warship for amphibious assault operations against Georgia, and the Russian military has said such a vessel would have allowed the Russian Navy to conduct a more efficient operation in the Black Sea during the August 2008 Russia-Georgia war
Speaking in London on February 18, Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili criticized the French authorities for approving the possible sale to Russia.
A Mistral-class ship is capable of transporting and deploying 16 helicopters, four landing barges, up to 70 armored vehicles including 13 battle tanks, and 450 personnel.
Many Russian military and industry experts have questioned the financial and military sense of the purchase, and some believe that Russia simply wants to gain access to advanced naval technology that could be used in the future in potential conflicts with NATO and its allies.
http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/library/news/russia/2010/russia-100226-rianovosti04.htm
RIA Novosti
26/02/201013:24
MOSCOW, February 26 (RIA Novosti) - If Moscow buys a Mistral-class helicopter carrier from France, it will be used principally as an amphibious command ship, a Russian Defense Ministry source said on Friday.
The official said the Mistral was basically a "force projection" command ship for various task groups or combined-arms forces operating at sea.
He stressed that from the Russian Navy's perspective, the ship's capability for amphibious assault operations is an important but not principal function.
The Russian military earlier announced that it was considering buying one of the Mistral-class amphibious assault ships, worth 400-500 million euros (around $540-$675 million), and potentially building three or four vessels of the same class in partnership with the French naval shipbuilder DCNS. The French government has approved the sale but Russia has not yet made a final decision.
There are concerns that Russia could use the warship for amphibious assault operations against Georgia, and the Russian military has said such a vessel would have allowed the Russian Navy to conduct a more efficient operation in the Black Sea during the August 2008 Russia-Georgia war
Speaking in London on February 18, Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili criticized the French authorities for approving the possible sale to Russia.
A Mistral-class ship is capable of transporting and deploying 16 helicopters, four landing barges, up to 70 armored vehicles including 13 battle tanks, and 450 personnel.
Many Russian military and industry experts have questioned the financial and military sense of the purchase, and some believe that Russia simply wants to gain access to advanced naval technology that could be used in the future in potential conflicts with NATO and its allies.
http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/library/news/russia/2010/russia-100226-rianovosti04.htm
Russian Patriot- Master Sergeant
- Posts: 329
Points: 670
Join date: 2009-07-21
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Moscow continues talks with Paris on warship deal
RIA Novosti
26/02/201019:16
February 26 (RIA Novosti) - Moscow and Paris have yet to clinch a deal on the purchase of a French warship and it will not be signed during the Russian president's visit to France on March 1-3, a source in the Russian Defense Ministry said Friday.
The official said Russia would like to buy one Mistral-class ship and that "subsequently, we would like to use their know-how, jointly with France, to build another three."
"We would like to buy such a helicopter carrier and continue cooperation... and continue building [such ships] here [in Russia]," he said.
The Russian military earlier announced that it was considering buying one of the Mistral-class amphibious assault ships, worth 400-500 million euros (around $540-$675 million), and potentially building three or four vessels of the same class in partnership with the French naval shipbuilder DCNS. The French government has approved the sale but Russia has not yet made a final decision.
The Defense Ministry source said earlier in the day that if Moscow buys a Mistral-class carrier from France, it will be used principally as an amphibious command ship. He said the Mistral was basically a "force projection" command ship for various task groups or combined-arms forces operating at sea.
He stressed that from the Russian Navy's perspective, the ship's capability for amphibious assault operations is an important but not the principal function.
There are concerns that Russia could use the warship for amphibious assault operations against Georgia, and the Russian military has said such a vessel would have allowed the Russian Navy to conduct a more efficient operation in the Black Sea during the August 2008 Russia-Georgia war
Speaking in London on February 18, Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili criticized the French authorities for approving the possible sale to Russia.
A Mistral-class ship is capable of transporting and deploying 16 helicopters, four landing barges, up to 70 armored vehicles including 13 battle tanks, and 450 personnel.
Many Russian military and industry experts have questioned the financial and military sense of the purchase, and some believe that Russia simply wants to gain access to advanced naval technology that could be used in the future in potential conflicts with NATO and its allies.
http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/library/news/russia/2010/russia-100226-rianovosti02.htm
RIA Novosti
26/02/201019:16
February 26 (RIA Novosti) - Moscow and Paris have yet to clinch a deal on the purchase of a French warship and it will not be signed during the Russian president's visit to France on March 1-3, a source in the Russian Defense Ministry said Friday.
The official said Russia would like to buy one Mistral-class ship and that "subsequently, we would like to use their know-how, jointly with France, to build another three."
"We would like to buy such a helicopter carrier and continue cooperation... and continue building [such ships] here [in Russia]," he said.
The Russian military earlier announced that it was considering buying one of the Mistral-class amphibious assault ships, worth 400-500 million euros (around $540-$675 million), and potentially building three or four vessels of the same class in partnership with the French naval shipbuilder DCNS. The French government has approved the sale but Russia has not yet made a final decision.
The Defense Ministry source said earlier in the day that if Moscow buys a Mistral-class carrier from France, it will be used principally as an amphibious command ship. He said the Mistral was basically a "force projection" command ship for various task groups or combined-arms forces operating at sea.
He stressed that from the Russian Navy's perspective, the ship's capability for amphibious assault operations is an important but not the principal function.
There are concerns that Russia could use the warship for amphibious assault operations against Georgia, and the Russian military has said such a vessel would have allowed the Russian Navy to conduct a more efficient operation in the Black Sea during the August 2008 Russia-Georgia war
Speaking in London on February 18, Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili criticized the French authorities for approving the possible sale to Russia.
A Mistral-class ship is capable of transporting and deploying 16 helicopters, four landing barges, up to 70 armored vehicles including 13 battle tanks, and 450 personnel.
Many Russian military and industry experts have questioned the financial and military sense of the purchase, and some believe that Russia simply wants to gain access to advanced naval technology that could be used in the future in potential conflicts with NATO and its allies.
http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/library/news/russia/2010/russia-100226-rianovosti02.htm
Russian Patriot- Master Sergeant
- Posts: 329
Points: 670
Join date: 2009-07-21
Age: 19
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Russian lawmaker questions plans for Mistral purchase
RIA Novosti
10/03/201016:51
MOSCOW, March 10 (RIA Novosti) - Plans to buy an expensive helicopter carrier from France could hinder the development of Russia's defense industry, a Russian lawmaker said on Wednesday.
The Russian military has announced that it was negotiating the purchase of a Mistral-class amphibious assault ship from France, worth 400-500 million euros (around $540-$675 million), and potentially building three or four vessels of the same class in partnership with the French naval shipbuilder DCNS.
"Can't we build ships ourselves anymore?" Svetlana Savitskaya, an MP from the communist faction, queried at a parliament session.
The former Soviet cosmonaut accused the government officials of lobbying the deal in favor of foreign manufacturers and said Russia had vast experience in manufacturing sophisticated military equipment, including ships and nuclear submarines.
"A slow process of purchases of military hardware abroad has started, which could have a negative impact on Russia's defense potential," Savitskaya said, adding that Russia has already bought reconnaissance drones from Israel while domestic companies have not been able so far to develop comparable equipment.
In response to Savitskaya's criticism, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov said Russia had no choice at present but to buy certain types of weapons and military hardware that the domestic industry cannot produce.
"Why not, if the Russian defense industry is incapable of making such a product?" Ivanov retorted.
"Unfortunately, we are lagging behind in certain areas including construction of surface ships," he said, adding that it was inappropriate to compare a nuclear submarine with the Mistral.
Ivanov also said that despite the overall growth of production in the defense sector, Russian companies did not produce enough components to meet the needs of the domestic defense industry.
"The defense sector uses 35% of Russian-made components and 65% of components purchased abroad," he said.
http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/library/news/russia/2010/russia-100310-rianovosti02.htm
RIA Novosti
10/03/201016:51
MOSCOW, March 10 (RIA Novosti) - Plans to buy an expensive helicopter carrier from France could hinder the development of Russia's defense industry, a Russian lawmaker said on Wednesday.
The Russian military has announced that it was negotiating the purchase of a Mistral-class amphibious assault ship from France, worth 400-500 million euros (around $540-$675 million), and potentially building three or four vessels of the same class in partnership with the French naval shipbuilder DCNS.
"Can't we build ships ourselves anymore?" Svetlana Savitskaya, an MP from the communist faction, queried at a parliament session.
The former Soviet cosmonaut accused the government officials of lobbying the deal in favor of foreign manufacturers and said Russia had vast experience in manufacturing sophisticated military equipment, including ships and nuclear submarines.
"A slow process of purchases of military hardware abroad has started, which could have a negative impact on Russia's defense potential," Savitskaya said, adding that Russia has already bought reconnaissance drones from Israel while domestic companies have not been able so far to develop comparable equipment.
In response to Savitskaya's criticism, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov said Russia had no choice at present but to buy certain types of weapons and military hardware that the domestic industry cannot produce.
"Why not, if the Russian defense industry is incapable of making such a product?" Ivanov retorted.
"Unfortunately, we are lagging behind in certain areas including construction of surface ships," he said, adding that it was inappropriate to compare a nuclear submarine with the Mistral.
Ivanov also said that despite the overall growth of production in the defense sector, Russian companies did not produce enough components to meet the needs of the domestic defense industry.
"The defense sector uses 35% of Russian-made components and 65% of components purchased abroad," he said.
http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/library/news/russia/2010/russia-100310-rianovosti02.htm