France suspends delivery of helicopter carriers to Russia because of Ukraine

Wednesday, November 26th 2014 - 10:10 UTC

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One of the Mistral helicopter carriers ready for delivery as part of a contract for 1.2bn Euros

“We are satisfied with everything; it’s the French who are not satisfied. We will wait patiently,” Borisov was quoted

France suspended indefinitely on Tuesday delivery of the first of two Mistral helicopter carrier warships to Russia, citing conflict in eastern Ukraine where the West accuses Moscow of fomenting separatism.

Russia's Deputy Defense Minister Yuri Borisov told RIA news agency Russia would not for now pursue claims against France over non-delivery, but expected the contract to be fulfilled.

“We are satisfied with everything, it’s the French who are not satisfied. We will wait patiently,” Borisov was quoted as saying. “Everything is laid down in the contract; we will act in accordance with the letter of the contract as all civilized people do.”

France has been under pressure for months from its Western allies to scrap the 1.2 billion Euro contract, but faces potential compensation claims if it breaches terms. Suspension of contracts is a sensitive issue at a time when France is finalizing other military deals.

”The President of the Republic considers that the situation in the east of Ukraine still does not permit the delivery of the first BPC (helicopter carrying and command vessel),“ said a statement from President Francois Hollande's office.

”He has therefore decided that it is appropriate to suspend, until further notice, examination of the request for the necessary authorization to export the first BCP to the Russian Federation.”

The United Nations says over 4,300 people have been killed in a pro-Russian separatist insurrection in eastern Ukraine which the West says Moscow has promoted. Russia for its part denies any involvement but accuses the Ukrainian military of using indiscriminate violence against civilians.

Categories: Politics, International.

Tags: France, Francois Hollande, Mistral helicopter carrier, Russia, Ukraine, Yuri Borisov.

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Briton
Well done France,

some wanted the royal navy to buy them, but this would not work, and some wanted NATO or the EU to buy it,

either way, France may well end up with two white elephants.
Nov 26th, 2014 - 11:18 am 0
Rufus
I sincerely doubt that the shipbuilders didn't include a force majeure clause into the contracts which would be a convenient way out for them.

I'm sure that finding another home for two state-of-the-art amphibious warfare ships / helicopter carriers won't be too hard (assuming the Marine Nationale don't have them first). I believe the South Africans were looking at buying a smaller version, but I'm sure that they'd happily upgrade if the price was right.
Nov 26th, 2014 - 11:23 am 0
Skip
€1.2 billion isn't that much for an economy the size of France.

But nice to see that Russia just keeps getting slapped down. Poor Pooti!
Nov 26th, 2014 - 12:23 pm 0

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