Began testing the first Russian “Mistral” – RBC

Began testing the first Russian "Mistral" – RBC

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The first helicopter type “Mistral”, collected under contract with Russia, went to trial, RIA Novosti reported with reference to Agence France-Presse. Helicopter “Vladivostok”, on board of which there are 200 Russian sailors, on the night of September 13, left the port of Saint-Nazaire.

at 07:20 local time (09:20 MSK) ship accompanied by two tugs came in the sea.

The beginning of sea trials of the first Russian “Mistral” last night told Le Figaro.

For the tests in the French port in June, arrived 400 Russian sailors.

In early September, France suspended the trial runs helicopter “Mistral”, which was intended for Russia. Source, Reuters said that the trials were suspended due to technical reasons. “They were detained for several days. This is undoubtedly due to technical reasons and has no relation to the current situation in Ukraine, “- said the agency interlocutor close to testing.

According to the signed June 17, 2011 at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, the contract France is building for Russia two helicopter landing-class ship “Mistral”. Parties to the Treaty on the French side became defense company DCNS and shipyard STX France (subcontractor), the Russian – OOO “Baltic Shipbuilding Plant”. The acquisition price is approximately € 1,2 billion. Cost to construction of two helicopter – € 980 million, other costs involve adapting technical documentation. According to the agreement, the Russian side was to get the ship in the fall of this year.

From the beginning of clashes in eastern Ukraine, the French authorities were pressured allies, reproached the Elysee Palace in the intention to put Russia “Mistral”. September 3rd administration of French President Francois Hollande announced the suspension of the transfer of the first Russian “Mistral”. In the office Hollande noted the absence of the conditions “under which France could allow delivery of the first helicopter.” Source in diplomatic circles told Agence France Press, we are talking about freezing the contract until November. During this time, the authorities appreciate the consequences of the decision, he said.

Hollande said that helicopter deliveries will be resumed, if the conflict is resolved in the Ukraine, and in the east of the country to stop the fighting. “The contract for the” Mistral “is not broken and is not suspended its implementation will depend on developments in the coming weeks,” – said the French leader.

Sources of RBC in the shipbuilding industry, familiar with the terms of the contract, told in what much it will cost the French refusal to supply “Mistral”. Under the terms, if the French side will disrupt the terms of transfer of ships, the first 30 days of the fines imposed will not be noted. If the failure to reach 120 days, a fine of about $ 1 million a day.

Marina Magay

September 13, 2014

RBC