Article Posted on : - Nov 02, 2010

The Mistral class amphibious assault ship. A file photo

MOSCOW (BNS): As a step forward to procure the French-built Mistral class helicopter carrier, Russia's United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC) has inked a long-term agreement with French shipbuilder DCNS to form a consortium.

“We have signed a long-term agreement; it includes a transfer of technologies,” Roman Trotsenko, the USC president said.

The agreement was inked in St. Petersburg on Monday, RIA Novosti reported.

According to the report, the new French-Russian consortium is the most likely winner of a Russian tender to build two Mistral-class warships.

Russia is negotiating the purchase of at least one Mistral class amphibious assault ship with plans to build two or three such vessels at home in partnership with DCNS.

The 21,300 tonne Mistral operates as a helicopter carrier and amphibious assault transporter. The warship can transport and deploy 16 helicopters, four landing barges, up to 70 armoured vehicles including 13 battle tanks, and 450 personnel.

Russian Navy plans to deploy the new vessels in its Northern and Pacific fleets.