France is negotiating to sell a high-tech warship to Russia, which would mark the first time that a NATO nation -- and a founding member at that -- sold arms to the country since the fall of the Soviet Union, which the treaty organization was created to oppose.
The Russians are anxiously looking to buy one of France's Mistral class helicopter carriers, a rapid-deployment attack ship that some fear could be used against countries like Georgia and Ukraine.
"I confirm that we are currently examining an official request from the Russian government for the purchase of a ship of this class," French Prime Minister Francois Fillon said Friday at news conference following a meeting with Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.
The possible deal has Georgian officials concerned, as the 21,300-ton amphibious assault ship can also carry personnel, armored cars and tanks thousands of miles and would help modernize Russian naval equipment exposed as outdated in its war with Georgia last year, Reuters reported.
Since the war, Russia has declared the Georgian territory of Abkhazia an independent nation and sent thousands of troops there. Abkhazia has a coastline along the Black Sea that is next to Russia's coast.
Asked if Russia would used the ship against Georgia, Putin said only that it would use warships where needed, Reuters reported.
Two senior U.S. officials told Fox News the potential sale is not very alarming.
"We would expect France keep its NATO allies in close consultation concerning any potential sale," but overall "this ship wouldn't give the Russians more of an advantage", one official said.
Other NATO members expressed more concern at France's openness to selling Russia weaponry that could be used against NATO forces or allies.
Despite concerns over the negotiations, Fillon said "France is open to cooperation with Russia, including in defense," adding that it makes no sense to discuss including Russia in a joint European economy then fall back on "outdated reflexes," Reuters reported.
Ah yes, the EU economy. And its move away from NATO to the fledgling EU forces.
The Mistral, estimated to cost roughly $450 million to $500 million, could become Russia's biggest international arms purchase.
Putin said Russia had not made a final decision on the deal.
#1 Carriers are nothing but huge targets, which we will very quickly find out during the next shooting war. Sell the Russians all they can carry. Heck, do to them what the Russians did to the Chinese.
Posted by gromky 2009-11-28 08:12||
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2009-11-28 08:12||
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#2 This isn't a carrier. It's an smallish amphibious assault ship -- similar to ex Trenton... sold to India.
Posted by Perry Stanford White 2009-11-28 09:04||
2009-11-28 09:04||
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#3 It isn't the ship that should be the concern but the weapons systems, communications, command and control that might be included. Why use spies when you can buy the stuff outright.
Posted by tipover 2009-11-28 12:59||
2009-11-28 12:59||
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