The three years deal of a helicopter carriers purchase from France to Russia is almost completed.
      As it was officially reported, the consortium of French company DCNS (the developer of the ship project) will be the helicopter carriers supplier. These two ships will be delivered to Russia until 2015 year. The transaction value is not specified, but according to Kommersant, the ship-building cost will be about 980 million euros.
      According to the Defenseindustrydaily, "The 21,300 ton Mistral Class "BPC" (Batiments de Projection et de Commandement) ships operate as helicopter carriers and amphibious assault transports, with secondary capabilities as command ships, and an on-board hospital. Propulsion comes from 2 electric-powered maneuverable thruster pods, similar to those used on cruise ships, with 2 more bow thrusters for added maneuverability in tight situations."
      
      Kommersant.ru
Author: Ksenia Dzhalagonia