MOSCOW. Dec 27 (Interfax-AVN) - The construction of the first Mistral class amphibious assault ship and helicopter carrier for Russia will begin in 2011, United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC) spokesman Igor Ryabov told Interfax-AVN on Friday.
"A consortium comprised of USC and the company DSNS will begin building the first ship on French shipyards next year," Ryabov said.
USC's participation in the first ship's construction will amount to about 20%, Ryabov said. "Russia's share in the construction will gradually increase from the first to the fourth helicopter carrier," Ryabov said.