Posted on 11/06/2014 3:48:41 PM PST by sukhoi-30mki
The Canadian military has emerged as a potential destination for the controversial French-built Mistral-class helicopter carrier ships, built for Russia, the International Business Times is reporting.
The possibility of a Canadian solution appeared in French media after French President François Hollande visited Canada this week, the newspaper reported.
This type of suggestion has surfaced before. Former Conservative Senator Hugh Segal suggested that Canada or NATO should buy the Mistral-class military assault ships rather than allow them to be added to the Russia naval fleet.
The deal is worth $1.6 billion to $1.8 billion (different figures are out there) to the French. The Russians are interested in three of the ships. The French haven’t proceeded yet with the sale to Russia because of the situation in Ukraine.
But how probable is it that Canada would buy the Mistral-class ships?
Earlier this year, the Royal Canadian Navy was looking at buying surplus U.S. Navy supply ships. But that is not going to happen, RCN commander Vice Admiral Mark Norman told Defence Watch. What is being examined is the purchase of a commercial oiler (maybe).
The RCN is in dire need of an oiler/supply ship……not, at this point, an amphibious assault ship. So if there is an extra billion dollars or more around, the focus might be on acquiring an oiler/supply fleet to replace the decommissioned AORs.
Mistral-class ships are capable of carrying 16 helicopters, landing barges, up to 70 vehicles and 450 soldiers. They also come equipped with a hospital.
Canadian shipyards could also be expected to oppose such a purchase. There would be little for them (except maybe in-service support) in such an acquisition and they could argue that such a purchase would undermine the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.nationalpost.com ...
Gotta say it looks like the French built a pretty solid light cruiser (?) / transport ship / helicopter carrier here...
Canada Ping!
Canada is dead set on getting out of having a military. They have no use for a navy since they default their defense to the USA. They won’t be buying this and whatever they end up building will be next to useless because of their insistence on custom-made Canadian equipment.
Well if that is what they want they should get a US built LHA I’m sure there is one or two in moth balls, and probably more functional.
But this one comes with an exceptional wine cellar.
LOL, funny
Not overly familiar with Canadian military?
Canadas ships need to be able to fuction in the ice. This ship would not likely cut it at -40 degrees.
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