Forum Views ()
Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
Russia eyes landmark purchase of French assault ship
| International
|
My Profile
Top News
Reuters top ten news stories delivered to your inbox each day.
Subscribe
You are here:
Home
>
News
>
International
>
Article
Home
Business & Finance
News
U.S.
Politics
International
Technology
Entertainment
Sports
Lifestyle
Oddly Enough
Health
Science
Special Coverage
Video
Pictures
Your View
The Great Debate
Blogs
Weather
Reader Feedback
Do More With Reuters
RSS
Widgets
Mobile
Podcasts
Newsletters
Your View
Make Reuters My Homepage
Partner Services
CareerBuilder
Affiliate Network
Professional Products
Support (Customer Zone)
Reuters Media
Financial Products
About Thomson Reuters
Russia eyes landmark purchase of French assault ship
Wed Aug 26, 2009 9:55am EDT
Email | Print |
Share
| Reprints | Single Page
[-]
Text
[+]
By Denis Dyomkin
ULAN BATOR (Reuters) - Russia plans to buy an advanced warship from France this year, a top general said on Wednesday, in what would be the country's first major foreign military purchase and a blow to domestic arms producers.
Gen. Nikolai Makarov, the chief of Russia's general staff, said that before the end of the year the navy planned to agree the purchase of a 21,300 ton Mistral-class helicopter carrier.
The deal would be Russia's biggest one-off post-Soviet purchase of weapons abroad, representing a major departure for the Kremlin, which has traditionally been protective of domestic arms producers.
"I believe not a single country in the world is capable of producing everything at the highest technological level," Makarov told reporters during Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's visit to Mongolia..
Makarov declined to give the cost of the carrier, which is capable of carrying helicopters, armed vehicles and tanks for thousands of miles to launch amphibious assaults.
The Kremlin has made re-equipping the 1.1 million-strong armed forces a top priority after last year's war in Georgia revealed serious problems with hardware and electronic equipment.
The appearance of NATO warships in the Black Sea during the war also highlighted the problem of upgrading Moscow's Soviet-era navy.
But a series of accidents, including the sinking of the Nerpa submarine last year with the loss of 20 crew and five failed tests of the new Bulava intercontinental missile have exposed serious problems with Russian military technology.
Makarov said he hoped to follow up on the purchase of the helicopter carrier by organizing joint Russian-French production of similar ships.
"The talk at this stage is about one (ship), but we want to launch joint production to make at least a series of four or five of these ... We hope to agree on our contractual obligations by year-end."
Makarov also said is was "quite probable" that Russia would seek to buy a small number of French FELIN infantry combat suits, which combine weapons, communication and positioning devices.
In 2004, Paris-based Sagem Defense Systems won a contract to supply FELIN suits for the French army.
"In principle, it is in many respects better than our own (equipment)."
"Our producers do not understand what we want from them," he said. "On September 2-4 we will conduct a conference of all brigade and army commanders. We will show to them modern war technology, what kind of hardware we need."
(Reporting by Denis Dyomkin, writing by Oleg Shchedrov and Conor Humphries, editing by Ralph Boulton)
© Thomson Reuters 2009 All rights reserved
Share:
Del.icio.us
Digg
Mixx
Yahoo!
Facebook
LinkedIn
Next Article:
Kennedy's death: Ireland mourns a "true friend"
Also On Reuters
Full Coverage: Sen. Edward Kennedy, 1932-2009
Analysis: U.S. bank stocks on a roll, but for how long?
Slideshow
Slideshow: The world's ethnic and religious minorities
More International News
Karzai leads in Afghan poll, run-off indicated
| Video
Abbas to call election if talks with Hamas fail
Iran's Khatami says trial confessions invalid
Two Koreas hold rare talks on split families
Iraqi Shi'ite party leader dies, successor eyed
More International News...
Editor's Choice
Slideshow
A selection of our best photos from the past 24 hours. Slideshow
Most Popular on Reuters
Articles
Video
Senator Edward Kennedy dies at age 77 | Video
CIA memo details procedures for breaking detainees
Fidel Castro says racist right-wingers fight Obama
UPDATE 5-White House, CBO debt forecasts challenge Obama
Kennedy death puts family dynasty in doubt
Farmers issue warning after fatal cow attacks
U.S. Senator Edward Kennedy dies at age 77
Kennedy death puts family dynasty in doubt
UPDATE 2-Fannie, Freddie soar on opportunistic day traders
CIA memo details procedures for breaking detainees
Most Popular Articles RSS Feed
Video
Ex-Guantanamo inmate speaks of abuse
Semenya returns home amid gender row
Early Afghan results show tight race
UK PM "repulsed" by bomber welcome
Truck bomb wounds 42 in Thailand
Nigeria gunmen surrender weapons
Sen. Edward Kennedy dies
Propofol OD killed Jackson -coroner
Propofol killed Jackson
Japanese PM Aso casts vote
Most Popular Videos RSS Feed
Afghanistan and Pakistan
Pakistanis rally to support refugees
Pakistanis rally to help those fleeing the Tabliban, in one of the biggest internal displacements in recent times. Full Article
Aid workers hit hard by Pakistan's "asymmetrical war"
Pakistan's displaced lament Ramadan in camps
Beyond the Afghan election
Pakistan says it has no favorite and only wants stability in its western neighbor, but analysts said it would prefer to see a victory for incumbent President Hamid Karzai. Full Article
Slideshow: Afghans at the polls
Video
Women seek refuge in Afghanistan
Patooni Muhanna, who works at a women’s shelter in Kabul says that despite some positive changes, domestic violence and self-immolation are still concerns. Video
Reuters.com:
Help and Contact Us |
Advertise With Us |
Mobile |
Newsletters |
RSS |
Labs |
Journalism Handbook |
Archive |
Site Index |
Video Index
Thomson Reuters Corporate:
Copyright |
Disclaimer |
Privacy |
Professional Products |
Professional Products Support |
About Thomson Reuters |
Careers
International Editions:
Africa |
Arabic |
Argentina |
Brazil |
Canada |
China |
France |
Germany |
India |
Italy |
Japan |
Latin America |
Mexico |
Russia |
Spain |
United Kingdom |
United States
Thomson Reuters is the world's largest international multimedia news agency, providing investing news, world news, business news, technology news, headline news, small business news, news alerts, personal finance, stock market, and mutual funds information available on Reuters.com, video, mobile, and interactive television platforms. Thomson Reuters journalists are subject to an Editorial Handbook which requires fair presentation and disclosure of relevant interests.
NYSE and AMEX quotes delayed by at least 20 minutes. Nasdaq delayed by at least 15 minutes. For a complete list of exchanges and delays, please click here.
Other News on Wednesday, 26 August 2009 Afghan bomb blast kills 36: police
extends reach into Arab world with Maktoob buy
Oil hits $75 for first time in 10 months
British PM upbeat after talks with Israel's PM
High bidder 'can't pay' for crypt atop Monroe
Frenchman hurt by 'exploding iPhone'
Israel's Netanyahu says seeking settlements formula
| International
|
Analysis: Iraq's premier must work to keep job
Yahoo to launch Arabic portal with Arab partner
Russia says nothing suspicious found on Arctic Sea
| International
|
Diplomats: Iran's enrichment program stagnates
Britain threatens to cut Internet for online pirates
UK, Israel warn Iran over nuclear program
| International
|
Iraq recalls envoy to Syria over truck bombings
Biel tops Pitt as 'most dangerous' celebrity on Web
European court raps Italy over G8 Genoa protests
| International
|
Iran resumes mass trial of opposition figures
UK proposes cutting Web access to file sharers
Head of troubled Darfur peacekeeping force resigns
| International
|
Karzai ahead in early Afghan election results
Qaeda-linked group claims bloody Baghdad attack
Netbook pioneer Asustek eyes recovery; bets on China
Iraq suspends decision to pull down blast walls
White House, Congress projects record deficits
Remains found in Alaska could be 1,000 years old
NKorea report says a senior military official dies
Transients board locomotive in Colo., get arrested
NKorea invites US envoys for talks, report says
Union wants ban on lithium batteries in cargo
Calif. school still closed after pipe bomb attack
Official: Explosion hits southern Afghan city
Official: Huge explosion hits southern Afghan city
Obama reappoints 'bold' Bernanke as Fed chairman
Pakistani Taliban say chief Baitullah Mehsud dead
Chinese president visits restive Xinjiang region
China mine blast kills 14: govt
3 dead in barn after standoff in northeast Tenn.
Karzai, Abdullah at 40 percent in partial returns
Man convicted in brutal slayings of Tenn. couple
Malaysian court puts caning of woman on hold
Hikers rescued in Alaska after journey into wild
Papa John's founder finds his beloved 1971 Camaro
Russia, Mongolia create uranium joint venture
HCL Technologies quarterly profit surges 110 pct
Daewoo to make $1.7 bln investment in Myanmar
Jessica Biel tops list as most risky star in cyberspace
| Entertainment
|
Pete Townshend plans new musical Floss
| Entertainment
|
Canada police know woman with accused model killer
| Entertainment
|
Orthodox Church condemns Madonna gig in Bulgaria
Los Lonely Boys to release 1969 tribute EP
| Entertainment
|
Bulgaria's church deplores Madonna concert
Caillat has a 'Breakthrough' with sophomore CD
LaToya Jackson appearing on '20/20' next month
Budget impasse forces Shyamalan movie from Pa.
Q&A: After `300,' Gerard Butler is still battling
Head of troubled Darfur peacekeeping force resigns
Russia seizes Norwegian yacht: border guards
North, South Korea hold rare talks on split families
| International
|
US ranks 28th in Internet connection speed: report
US inches toward dialogue with NKorea
Zimbabwe's Mugabe treated in Dubai hospital: paper
| International
|
NASA calls off Discovery launch
New ETA arms caches found in France
Iraq focuses bombings blame on operatives in Syria
Sony adds wireless e-reader as Kindle rival
Profile of swine flu begins to emerge: study
GM still wants to sell Opel: sources
Top reformist confesses in Iran political trial
YouTube to share ad money with more video makers
U.S. limits visas in Honduras, stepping up pressure
| International
|
Sony unveils new e-reader in Kindle challenge
Oil price hits ten-month peak at 75 dollars
Indonesian police arrest suspect over hotel blasts
| International
|
Australia Aborigines ask U.N. for refugee status
| International
|
Multitaskers distracted by everything: study
Iran puts leading reformers on trial over unrest
Chavez threatens break with Colombia
| International
|
Armstrong twitters up Dublin bike ride
Bomb kills 40 in Afghanistan's Kandahar: police
The Pirate Bay back online after fine threat
German prosecutors seek life for 'veil martyr' killer
Argentine farmers call new anti-government strike
| International
|
Iraq and Syria recall envoys over bombing claims
Sony adds wireless e-reader as Kindle rival
Sony unveils new e-reader in Kindle challenge
Sony adds wireless e-reader as Kindle rival
| Technology
|
YouTube to share ad money with more video makers
| Technology
|
Attorney: Alleged Iowa coach shooter incompetent
Car bomb blasts in Afghanistan kill at least 41
Tongans hold funeral service at sea for ferry dead
Chicken owner shoots own leg while hunting opossum
Taiwan FM offers resignation over typhoon blunder
Indonesian police arrest suspect over hotel blasts
'Drats!' Valve trouble postpones shuttle launch
US inches toward dialogue with NKorea
Most China organ transplants come from death row
Obamas visit top adviser's home, then go to dinner
Rocket launch: SKorea fails to contact satellite
MEMO FROM MARTHA's: Chief golfs with his chef
Karzai, top rival run about even in Afghan returns
LA school board approves school choice plan
N.Korea may invite U.S. for nuclear talks
New park offers X-rated views of NYC hotel guests
California Catholics try TV to draw churchgoers
Video allegedly shows 'executions' in Sri Lanka: report
Workers at home where chaplain fell criticized
Drunk man found at grocery store eating avocados
China Life first half profit up 15 percent
Toyota to cut production capacity at Japan factory
Toyota to slash world production capacity: reports
Seoul shares up 0.4 pct; NCSoft, Korea Beral spike
S.Korea Aug consumer sentiment hits 7-yr high
Air China sees first half profit more than double
Chris Brown sentenced in LA for assault
| Entertainment
|
Korea Hot Stocks
Sale falls through on crypt above Marilyn Monroe
| Entertainment
|
Seoul shares open up; NCSoft, Samsung Techwin gain
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Epson pleads guilty to price-fixing, to pay 26 mln dlr fine
Extract distilled from human stupidity
| Entertainment
|
India says Delhi talks aimed at building WTO consensus
NJ court appearance for comic Artie Lange delayed
Sale falls through on crypt above Marilyn Monroe
Chris Brown sentenced in Rihanna assault case
Ga. judge: Accused Miley Cyrus stalker 'a danger'
Billboard names Beyonce as 'Woman of the Year'
Argentina legalizes personal marijuana possession
Abdul to host 'VH1 Divas' Sept. 17 concert special
B'way's 'West Side Story' has a minor lyric change
Paisley, Underwood return as hosts of CMA Awards
Karzai widens lead in Afghan vote
French hostage in Somalia freed 'without violence'
Karzai leads in Afghan poll, run-off indicated
| International
|
Google Maps tracking traffic flow
German firms most bullish since crisis began
Russia admits mystery ship may have had suspect cargo
Advertising giant WPP profits slump in first half
Toll in Kandahar bomb at least 40: police
Abbas to call election if talks with Hamas fail
| International
|
Singer Chris Brown sentenced for Rihanna assault
Iran's Khatami says trial confessions invalid
| International
|
Bomb kills 40 in Afghanistan's Kandahar: police
Iraqi Shi'ite party leader dies, successor eyed
| International
|
Swelling US deficit threatens Obama reforms
Forensic experts unearth 60 Bosnian war victims
| International
|
French hostage escapes from rebels in Somalia
| International
|
Russia eyes landmark purchase of French assault ship
| International
|
Madagsacar leaders still deadlocked over top job
| International
|
Pakistani forces launch air attack on Taliban
| International
|
US-TECH Summary
Nokia to launch mobile financial service
| Technology
|
Nokia bets on Linux in iPhone battle: sources
| Technology
|
House gets guerrilla ad treatment
| Technology
|
IBM, Indian outsourcers win services deal from BP
| Technology
|
Official: Dalai Lama to visit Taiwan
Thai tennis star launches new herbal Viagra
Malaysian opposition wins bellwether vote
Kennedy successor to be chosen by special election
Upstart party has already changed Japan politics
Sen. Kennedy's death leaves 1 Kennedy sibling
Hope, reality collide in post-Katrina New Orleans
Ted Kennedy: Senator, family patriarch, dead at 77
Koreas to hold first Red Cross talks in 2 years
Text of Obama statement on Kennedy
UN says ex-rebels breached Nepal peace agreement
Israeli PM resists US pressure over settlements
Interrogation probe steams those on right and left
Most lawmakers and analysts welcome Bernanke news
Russia deploys air defence over N.Korea missile tests
AP IMPACT: Politics can drive stimulus priorities
Schwarzenegger mourns loss of `Uncle Teddy'
Pakistani Taliban seen as regrouping
House gets guerrilla ad treatment
| Entertainment
|
Taiwan dollar ends slightly lower on outflows
CNOOC says 1H profit down 55 pct on lower prices
S.Koreans most upbeat since 2002 but president cautions
Thai interest rate unchanged amid recovery doubts
Japan trade surplus rises for second month
Pakistan's medium-term outlook still fragile
SKorea to ratify EU free trade deal soon: Speaker
Indonesian police detain suspect in hotel bombings
Disputed time in Jackson case could be key
'Prince of Jihad' arrested in Indonesia: police
Mongolia tax repeal clears way for $4 bln mine
Peter Horton: 'thirtysomething' lacked big 'but'
Vietnam says inflation slowing
US race row raises questions over Bollywood spin
Seoul shares post highest close in 13 months =2
In greying Japan, youth may turn out to rock the vote
Mexico players fight for pre-Hispanic game site
'Bamboo schools' bring hope to Nepal's poor
Lee Young-ae marries businessman in US
"Extract" distilled from human stupidity
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights