Updated 2:42 p.m. Moscow Time
KRASNOARMEISK, September 30 (RIA Novosti) – Russia and France may sign an act on transferring first French-built Mistral class amphibious assault ship to Russia in late October or early November, Igor Sevastyanov, a deputy director general of Russian state arms exporter Rosoboronexport, said Tuesday.
"If France fulfills its obligations, than the transfer act will be signed in late October or early November," Sevastyanov said.
Earlier on September 25, Russian Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov said that the delivery of the Mistral helicopter carriers was expected as scheduled, with the first one, the Vladivostok, arriving this fall.
The second ship, the Sevastopol, is expected in 2015.
In 2011, Russia and France signed a deal for two French-built Mistral-class ships worth 1.2 billion euros ($1.5 billion at the current exchange rate). Earlier in September, the office of French President Francois Hollande threatened to suspend the delivery of the helicopter carriers, citing alleged involvement of Russia in the Ukrainian crisis as the reason. However, a French diplomatic source later told RIA Novosti that the delivery had not been put off and that the French president was simply outlining his political stance.
Hollande stated that he would make a final decision on the delivery of the Mistral carriers by the end of October. The two conditions for the delivery, according to the president, are a holding ceasefire in eastern Ukraine and a political resolution of the conflict.
Last week, the Vladivostok finished a series of sea trials.
