Returned to Russia by France money on the "Mistral" must be directed at strengthening the defense of the country, said Last news on Thursday, the head of the state Duma on defence, former black sea fleet commander Admiral Vladimir Komoedov.

The presidents of Russia and France Vladimir Putin and Francois Hollande yesterday passed a conclusion on termination of validity of the contract for construction and supply of 2 ships-docks type " Mistral ". France has already transferred the funds for the contract and after the return of Russian equipment installed on the "Mistral" will be able to dispose of the helicopter.

Refunded, According to the head of the Ministry of defence of France Jean-Yves Le Drian, was not more than 1, 2 billion euros.

"currently it is extremely needful. The age (of weapons) is already making itself felt, and youth (new weapons) has not yet arrived. Need to allocate funds for the construction of new ships and aircraft, " said Komoedov.

However, He drew attention that the shipbuilding industry has experience in the construction of amphibious ships, docks and helicopter. He said that in Soviet times were "great helicopter" type " of Moscow and Leningrad ", large landing ships of the " Horns ", is currently being built fresh large amphibious ships of the "Ivan Gren" (project 11711).

"the conclusion about the purchase of "Mistral" is derived purely political, we need them at all. Our vehicles are well armed, and to use the ships of the "Mistral" can only happened in the far East where open access to the ocean, for example in the area of the Kuril Islands, " said the Admiral.

He also drew attention that Should certainly cut down the name of the ship "Vladivostok" and " Sevastopol "." Welded to the hulls of the letters in the Cyrillic alphabet Should be cut, they will still come in handy, " said Komoedov.

the contract for production and delivery of 2 helicopter carrier type "Mistral" price of 1, 2 billion euros was signed between the French DCNS/STX and Rosoboronexport in 2011. France had to give the 1st ship "Vladivostok" in November of last year, but due to the events in Ukraine and the imposition of sanctions against Russia that never was.

sections: Politics