Helicopter Carrying Ship to Appear in Russia

Russian enterprises are ready to produce helicopter carrying ships of French “Mistral” type. Engineers negotiate with France, the Netherlands and Spain on buying necessary technologies. Russian authorities claim that since Russia holds second position in arms delivery to the world market, our country doesn’t need to buy ready-made military vessels. “Mistral” helicopter carrying ship has 21 ton displacement, maximum length of 210 metres, full speed of over 18 knots, and enormous cruising range – up to 20 000 nautical miles. The “Mistral” vessel can carry five times as much crewmembers and combat equipment, as similar Russian vessels. USA authorities urge NATO and European Union members not to sell large weapon systems and offensive weaponry to the Russian Federation.