Russia has signed a landmark weapons deal with France for the purchase of two Mistral class amphibious assault ships. The ships will strengthen the Russian Navy\u2019s capabilities for power projection. <\/p>\n
Their purchase underlines Russia\u2019s intention to give flesh to its Maritime Doctrine adopted in July 2001, which, inter alia, specifies among Russian national interests \u201cguaranteeing the sovereign rights and jurisdiction of the Russian Federation in its exclusive economic zone and continental shelf\u201d. <\/p>\n
This is also the first major weapons system that Russia has imported from any country after the Second World War and that too from a major NATO member, which is an indication of the gradual rapprochement between the two erstwhile foes. <\/p>\n
This Issue Brief outlines the strategic implications of the path-breaking agreement, including for NATO solidarity, looks at Russia\u2019s ageing military industrial complex and foreign military collaboration and analyzes the capabilities which the Russian navy will now possess on account of the Mistrals.<\/p>\n
Click here<\/a> for the full report (11 pages in PDF format) on the<\/em> Institute for Defence Studies & Analysis website or dowload it here The Strategic Implications of the Franco-Russian Mistral Deal<\/a> <\/p>\n
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