Russia Buys French Assault Ships



Mistral class amphibious assault ship

Historically, Russian troops are usually not known to storm beaches in waves of amphibious assaults. Nevertheless, it appears that the capability is considered desirable.

France has transferred to Russia all the technology it asked for under a $1.7-billion deal for two French-built Mistral class amphibious assault ships for the Russian Navy, a Russian arms exporter said on Monday.

Under the deal signed on Friday, the first warship will be delivered in 2014 and the second in 2015.

"The French side has transferred all technologies, including the SENIT 9 [command and control] system, as well as two other systems," said Anatoly Isaikin, head of the Rosoboronexport state-controlled arms exporter.

A formal contract for the construction of the two Mistral class ships will be signed separately at a later date, he said, adding it could take up to three months to compile.

The warships will be equipped with Russian-built Ka-52 Alligator multirole helicopters, Isaikin said.

According to Admiral Vladimir Vysotsky, Russia's effectiveness in humanitarian operations will be enhanced. Okay….Russia wants to burnish its humanitarian bona fides.

In any event, I imagine that prudent military planners are perusing the globe to identify the beaches the Russians might be taking a shine to.