Russia started construction of a ship base for its Mistral-class ships on Tuesday, February 11, the RIA Novosti informs.
The Russian Mistral-class helicopter carriers, which are currently under construction in France, will be stationed in the new base, being built at an existing naval base in Vladivostok.
Commander of the Russia’s Pacific Fleet, Rear Admiral Sergei Avakyants, said that the basic infrastructure of the base is expected to be completed until October 2015, and that it would be ready to host the ships in early 2018.
The first of the Mistral-class ships, named the Vladivostok, will be delivered to the Russian Navy on November 1st of 2014, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.
The Mistral-class is a class of three amphibious assault ships, also known as helicopter carriers, of the French and Russian Navy. They are capable of carrying 16 NH90 or Tiger helicopters, 4 landing barges, up to 70 vehicles and 450 soldiers.
There are three of those ships in active service within the French Navy, named Mistral, Tonnerre and Dixmude.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, February 14, 2014; Image: Wikimedia