STX France to Splash First Mistral-Class Ship Built for Russia Next Year

The first Mistral-class assault landing ship under construction at STX France shipyard for Russia will be launched in Sept 2013, the yard’s representative stated at the Euronaval-2012 exhibition on Monday, Vzglyad writes.

Until now 10 hull sections have been constructed at STX France shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, which has been tasked for assembly of 90% of each ship, to be outfitted at naval base Toulon. Russian Mistrals will be named Sevastopol and Vladivostok.

According to Chief of Navy Development Planning Dept RADM Vasily Lyashok  the vessels, which will feature the latest Russian attack and defense weapons, including supersonic cruise missiles, are expected to officially join the Pacific Fleet in 2014 and 2015.

Under the EUR 1.2 bln. contract signed in 2011, Moscow and Paris agreed on construction of two Mistral-class ships, the project’s head contractor being DCNS. The deal was signed in St. Petersburg in the presence of Russian president Dmitry Medvedev.

Displacement of Mistral-class assault landing ship is 21,000 tons, with the overall length  210 meters and speed over 18 knots. The operating range of the vessel, which can accommodate up to 160 men plus 450 marines is up to 20,000 miles.  Air wing comprises 16 helicopters including six placed on the flight deck.

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Shipbuilding Tribune Staff, October 24, 2012