Russia has announced an international tender for the supply of two helicopter carriers, Russian Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov said in Yerevan today, RBC reports referring to Reuters.
According to the Defense Minister, Moscow officials have been negotiating with their French counterparts on the sale of one Mistral class helicopter and on the construction of two more warships at Russian shipyards.
However, Russia eyes other proposals, Anatoly Serdyukov said. The Defense Minister also noted that the helicopter supplier might be picked by the end of this year.
Earlier this year, French President Nicolas Sarkozy at his the meeting with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev had said that France and Russia have "exclusive negotiations" about a possible purchase by Russia of four French helicopter carriers "Mistral".
Russian shipyards had made possible an open tender for the purchase of warships. Several companies had announced they would be willing to participate in the bidding.
Mistral class amphibious assault ship has a full displacement of 21,300 tons, LOA - 210 m, breadth - 30 m, maximum speed - 19 knots, 160 crew members. The warship is able to carry 450 troops, 16 heavy helicopters, hovercraft and motorboats on board. The ship cost ranges from 400 million to 500 million euros.
According to the Defense Minister, Moscow officials have been negotiating with their French counterparts on the sale of one Mistral class helicopter and on the construction of two more warships at Russian shipyards.
However, Russia eyes other proposals, Anatoly Serdyukov said. The Defense Minister also noted that the helicopter supplier might be picked by the end of this year.
Earlier this year, French President Nicolas Sarkozy at his the meeting with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev had said that France and Russia have "exclusive negotiations" about a possible purchase by Russia of four French helicopter carriers "Mistral".
Russian shipyards had made possible an open tender for the purchase of warships. Several companies had announced they would be willing to participate in the bidding.
Mistral class amphibious assault ship has a full displacement of 21,300 tons, LOA - 210 m, breadth - 30 m, maximum speed - 19 knots, 160 crew members. The warship is able to carry 450 troops, 16 heavy helicopters, hovercraft and motorboats on board. The ship cost ranges from 400 million to 500 million euros.