The sale to Egypt of 2 French helicopter carrier type " Mistral ", which from the beginning was intended for the Russian Federation, became the best end of the disastrous history of the Russian-French contract For Russia, says a leading researcher at the Institute of Oriental studies Vladimir Belyakov.

on the first day of the weekend in Cairo in the presence of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi And Prime Minister of France Manuel Valls has signed a contract for the purchase by Egypt of 2 first destined For the Russian Federation helicopter type " Mistral ".

a contract for production And delivery of 2- "Mistral" cost 1, 2 billion Euro from the outset was concluded between the French DCNS/STX And Rosoboronexport. France had to give 1st ship "Vladivostok" in November 2014, but due to the events in Ukraine And the imposition of sanctions against Russia. In early August, Moscow And Paris terminated the contract for the construction And supply of 2 ships-docks-type " Mistral ", and at the end of September it was announced That the head of the French Republic Francois Hollande reached an agreement with al-Sisi on the sale of a helicopter carrier to Egypt.


Belyakov stressed That the implementation of the "Mistral" Egypt does not bear any threat to Russian interests, but rather, it responds to them.

"It seems to me, after all it's almost the best option For the Russian Federation. Because Egypt is a friendly state. Besides our cooperation in the military sphere is developing rapidly ", - said the expert.

This this means "against the interests of Russia "Mistral" will not apply ", he continues.

"Moreover, it is possible That in some emergency they have the opportunity to come to our aid," he added.

Belyakov also said That "Mistral" was built by the order of Russia And they have a lot of Russian equipment. Although above it was noted That all Russian equipment is required to be transferred to Russia. In Egyptian media, According to the expert, it was mentioned That most likely this equipment will remain.

"So master it will help our Experts. Helicopters the Egyptians, apparently, too, will have to order from us. It will be another contribution to our military-technical cooperation ", - said the expert.


Belyakov said That the interest of Egypt to the "Mistral" due to real threats to public security And for this reason called this interest " natural ".

"Because Egypt is washed over a large area the two seas - Mediterranean And Red. And in fact, in another from Egypt grave danger to its national security ", - he explained.

So, in the Mediterranean sea, the danger is in neighbouring Libya, where the influence of Islamists. In addition, in Egypt's North Sinai for the second year anti-terrorist operation. Also, the expert considers it possible That the ships are able to be useful To combat Islamists in the North-Western part of Syria, Although by the time when Cairo will receive the " Mistral ", the intervention of Egypt, it is not excluded, is not required.

"As for the red sea, To Egypt, this has the opportunity to be an even More important area, Because through it are ships in the Suez canal, and it is of strategic importance. Especially in the last month of summer there was launched the second channel, and that this means That ship traffic will increase. To protect these ways, the "Mistral" will be useful ", - said the expert.

Belyakov Also said That the danger of pirates at the entrance to Red until now not solved. In addition, the specialist recalled That Egypt joins international coalition in the Yemeni conflict.

sections: Politics