Russia chooses Mistral

(Rusnavy) : An international consortium consisting of French company DCNS and Russian JSC United Shipbuilding Corporation won the Russian defense ministry's tender for assault landing ships. Russian president Dmitry Medvedev said that to his French counterpart Nicolas Sarkozy in the phone talk on Friday, Dec 24, reports press service of Russian president's administration.

The consortium offers joint construction of two ships at initial stage, and further building of two additional vessels of this type. Presumably, Russia will be represented by JSC Admiralteyskie Verfi shipyard, and France will participate with a shipyard in Saint-Nazaire.

Both presidents complimented on talks finishing; as for them, this is an unprecedented cooperative project. According to Medvedev and Sarkozy, joint construction of helicopter carriers for Russian Navy will promote development of industry, help to resolve employment problem in both countries, and demonstrate "will and ability of Russia and France to develop large-scale partnership in all areas, including defense and security".