MOSCOW (Sputnik) — In August 2015, Paris and Moscow formally terminated the 1.2-billion-euro ($1.35 billion at the current exchange rate) deal on the construction and delivery of two Mistral-class helicopter carriers, as France had refused to transfer them to Russia over its alleged role in the Ukrainian conflict. Shortly after, then French President Francois Hollande confirmed that a deal had been reached with Egypt on the delivery of the two Mistrals.
"Yes, it has been included in the new state arms procurement program. The construction of helicopter carriers takes an average of four years, so I think, yes, around that time [2022]," Borisov told reporters on the sidelines of HeliRussia-2017 exhibition.
After France's refusal to supply Mistral helicopter carriers to Russia, the representatives of Russian Navy and the military-industrial complex have repeatedly stated that the Russian domestic analogue of Mistral will be developed and will surpass the French vessels in some features.
