The delivery conditions of the first Mistral-class helicopter carrier to Russia have not been met, French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius wrote Tuesday on his Twitter account. Sputnik presents a picture gallery about what is happening at the STX France shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, where two Mistral-class ships are being built for Russia.
The handover of the first Mistral-class ship, the Vladivostok, to Russian Naval Forces was scheduled for November 14, according to an invitation sent to Russia. However, the handover did not take place, and it is still unclear when it would happen.
Above: A worker at the STX Europe shipyard in Saint-Nazaire.
Above: A worker at the STX Europe shipyard in Saint-Nazaire.
2/10
© Sputnik / Grigoriy Sisoev
On one hand, the US strongly opposes the delivery of the ships to Russia. On the other hand, Paris said it has to meet its contractual obligations and links the delivery to progress in the settlement of the Ukrainian crisis.
Above: The Sevastopol amphibious assault ship of the Mistral class at the STX Europe shipyard in Saint-Nazaire.
Above: The Sevastopol amphibious assault ship of the Mistral class at the STX Europe shipyard in Saint-Nazaire.
3/10
© Sputnik / Grigoriy Sisoev
If France fails to fulfill the contract, Russia plans to make substantial financial claims. According to the contract, if Paris fails to meet the obligations, it will face heavy financial penalties.
Above: Workers at the STX Europe shipyard in Saint-Nazaire.
Above: Workers at the STX Europe shipyard in Saint-Nazaire.
4/10
© Sputnik / Grigoriy Sisoev
On June 17, 2011, Russian state arms exporter Rosoboronexport and DCNS signed a 1.2 billion euro contract for Russia’s purchase of two Mistral-class ships and related services, which includes logistics, personnel training and technology transfers. Under the contract, Russia was to receive the first two ships in 2014 and 2015.
Above: The Sevastopol amphibious assault ship of the Mistral class at the STX Europe shipyard in Saint-Nazaire.
Above: The Sevastopol amphibious assault ship of the Mistral class at the STX Europe shipyard in Saint-Nazaire.
The two ships are being built by DCNS and the STX France shipyard in Saint-Nazaire. Russia's United Shipbuilding Corporation is also involved in the program. Russian companies account for about 40 percent of all construction work.
Above: A worker at the STX Europe shipyard in Saint-Nazaire.
Above: A worker at the STX Europe shipyard in Saint-Nazaire.
6/10
© Sputnik / Grigoriy Sisoev
The Mistral-class amphibious assault ships are known as "projection and command ships" in French. The ships are used as command centers, for helicopter operations, to transport military vehicles, including tanks, and to serve as naval hospitals.
Above: The Sevastopol amphibious assault ship of the Mistral class at the STX Europe shipyard in Saint-Nazaire.
Above: The Sevastopol amphibious assault ship of the Mistral class at the STX Europe shipyard in Saint-Nazaire.
7/10
© Sputnik / Grigoriy Sisoev
The ship displaces 21,300 metric tons of deadweight, and its maximum length and beam span 210 meters (about 700 feet) and 30 meters, respectively. The ship's hull has no armor plating. The Mistral can reach a maximum speed in excess of 18 knots (about 33 kmh) and has a maximum range of up to 20,000 nautical miles (about 37,000 kilometers). The ship has a crew of 160 and can carry more than 450 soldiers. Its air wing includes 16 helicopters, including up to six simultaneously deployed on the flight deck.
Above: A ship inside a dry dock at the STX Europe shipyard in Saint-Nazaire.
Above: A ship inside a dry dock at the STX Europe shipyard in Saint-Nazaire.
8/10
© Sputnik / Grigoriy Sisoev
The Mistral-class ships Russia ordered would operate Russian-made helicopters, including the Kamov Ka-52K, a carrier-borne version of the famous Ka-52 Alligator/Hokum-B attack helicopter.
Above: The Vladivostok amphibious assault ship of the Mistral class at the STX Europe shipyard in Saint-Nazaire.
Above: The Vladivostok amphibious assault ship of the Mistral class at the STX Europe shipyard in Saint-Nazaire.
9/10
© Sputnik / Grigoriy Sisoev
The Mistral-class ships Russia ordered would operate Russian-made helicopters, including the Kamov Ka-52K, a carrier-borne version of the famous Ka-52 Alligator/Hokum-B attack helicopter.
Above: The Vladivostok amphibious assault ship of the Mistral class at the STX Europe shipyard in Saint-Nazaire.
Above: The Vladivostok amphibious assault ship of the Mistral class at the STX Europe shipyard in Saint-Nazaire.
According to a poll, conducted by French newspaper Le Figaro, about 60 percent of French citizens believe Paris should meet its obligation under the contract and deliver the helicopter carriers to Russia.
Above: The Sevastopol amphibious assault Mistral-class ship at the STX Europe shipyard in Saint-Nazaire.
Above: The Sevastopol amphibious assault Mistral-class ship at the STX Europe shipyard in Saint-Nazaire.
