Paris is seeking further military and technical cooperation with Russia after the latter has purchased France’s Mistral-class helicopter carriers. France is prepared to offer Russia brand–new weapons except ballistic missiles, radio-electronic warfare, NATO codes and automated combat control systems, Arnaud Kalika, a participant in the military section of the Valdai International Discussion Club, told reporters.

The expert confirmed that talks between Moscow and Paris on building the third and fourth Mistral warships are underway. He believes that a contract in this respect will be signed in 2012. France will deliver first two carriers in 2014 and 2015 as its DCNS naval defense company already received Russia’s prepayment of 1,2 bln dollars in late 2011 and is shortly launching the construction.

Mistral is an amphibious assault ship used to carry troops and cargo, for landing operations and as a command ship. It may carry 8 transport and 8 attack helicopters. Russia plans to use the carrier to deploy its Ka-52 K Alligator and Ka-29 attack choppers transporting Navy troops.

Hulls of the third and forth Mistral-class carriers are expected to be constructed in Russia – at St Petersburg's Baltiysky Wharf and by the Sevmashpredpriyatie shipbuilder in Severodvinsk. This will cost Russia 2,5 bln euro.

The stake of Russia’s Joint Stock Ship Building company will rise to 70-80% in constructing carriers number three and four compared to initial 30-40%.

Military expert Igor Korotchenko focused on this fact and noted that France is Russia’s major military and technical partner.

"Recently Moscow and Paris have boosted military and tech cooperation. France attracts Russia by new military technology and its further reproduction in Russia. For example, we use French techniques when producing night vision devices for T-90 tanks. They are also exported abroad."

French avionics in its turn is based on Russian Su-30 fighters which are supplied abroad under export contacts. We have good prospects in cooperating in new digital developments for FELIN infantry combat suit as France is supplying key elements of the gear such as communication devices and video surveillance equipment. The parties will work on this project in 2012.

However, France’s Defense Ministry is still suspicious about Russia which was emphasized by Arnaud Kalika. He noted that some officials wanted to sell Mistral-class carriers to Georgia.

But everyone agrees that Russia was the most generous bidder and got the deal.