Russia is planning to build similar vessels to France’s Mistral Class amphibious warship under a transfer of technology.

Russia, which is negotiating with France to buy the Mistral Class ship at a cost of around $600m-$750m, is considering building four similar ships in the country under French licensing, according to brahmand.com.

A Russian Defence Ministry official told RIA Novosti that the country is not interested in buying just one warship but intending to acquire shipbuilding technology that will enable the domestic defence industry to build similar ships.

The Mistral Class amphibious warship can transport and deploy 16 helicopters, four landing barges, up to 70 vehicles including 13 main battle tanks and 450 soldiers.

The vessel is also equipped with a 69-bed hospital and could be used as an amphibious command ship.