Russia plans to acquire additional Mistral Class amphibious assault ships from France.

Defence Minister Anatoly Serdyukov said Russia would sign a contract with France for the third and fourth Mistral Class amphibious assault ships by the end of 2011.

“I believe we should complete the negotiating process and have these contracts signed before the end of the year,” RIA Novosti quotes Serdyukov as saying.

In June 2011, Russia and France struck a $1.7bn deal regarding two French-built Mistral Class amphibious assault ships for the Russian Navy.

Capable of carrying 16 helicopters, four landing vessels, 70 armoured vehicles and 450 personnel, the helicopter carriers are expected to become operational in 2014 and 2015.

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