DCNS inks contract to build two LHD’s for Russia at STX France

French defense contractor DCNS has now signed a contract with Russian defense export agency Rosoboronexport that will see STX France build two Mistral-class helicopter carriers (LHDs) at its Saint Nazaire shipyard.

The contract was signed under the Franco-Russian intergovernmental agreement of January 25 for the supply of four Mistral class force projection and command vessels. The jcontract signed last week covers two Mistral/BPC ships and associated services including initial logistics, training, and the transfer of technologies.

For this contract, DCNS will act as prime contractor and will also integrate the operations direction and communication systems.

With a length of 199 m, a displacement of 22,000 tonnes and a speed in excess of 18 knots, the Mistral class LHD’s offer a global projection capability for troops and materiel, including heavy helicopters and landing craft, as well as ample capacity as a hospital ship or for large-scale humanitarian missions. The design features electric propulsion using azimuth pods and high-level automation compatible with a complement of just 170 while a high-performance communications suite makes the vessel ideal as naval force command vessel.

STX France will undertake the construction of the ships at the Saint-Nazaire shipyard under a subcontract with DCNS. The Russian shipbuilder OSK will provide part of the hull of both ships.

The first ship will be delivered to Russia in 2014 and the second LHD will be delivered in 2015.

June 19, 2011