Second Mistral Built for Russia Appears to Be Ready for Sea

The Sevastopol, the second Mistral-class helicopter carrier built by France for the Russian Navy, has appeared on the ship-tracking system AIS, meaning it is ready for sea.

Sevastopol, moored 500 meters away from the Vladivostok Mistral-class helicopter carrier, is flying the flag of France, according to AIS data.

In 2011, Russian state-run arms exporter Rosoboronexport and French shipbuilder DCNS signed a $1.5 billion deal for the delivery of two Mistral-class assault ships to Russia. Paris was supposed to deliver the first helicopter carrier in November 2014, but refused due to Russia's alleged involvement in the Ukrainian crisis.

However, in early December 2014, French Prime Minister Manuel Valls called any speculation about the contract's cancellation "premature".

Russia expects France to either deliver the warships or return the money. Russian experts estimate that if France fails to fulfill its contractual obligations, it could face penalties up to $10 billion.

In January, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said that Moscow could file a court case against France in the next six months over the failure of Paris to deliver the first Mistral ship.