The Mistral class aircraft carrier Vladivostok. -Reuters
France has suspended delivery of the first Mistral class helicopter carrier to Russia. -Reuters. France cites Russia's involvement in the Ukraine civil war as the reason the delivery has been delayed. Russia is understandably upset at the decision and may file claims against France for non-delivery. Other European countries have put massive pressure on France to cancel the deal, which is worth more then $1.58 billion. The suspension of the contract may have an impact on other French arms exports.
My Comment:
Calling this ship an aircraft carrier is a bit of an exaggeration since it can't handle fixed wing jets. It is a helicopter carrier and command and control ship. It can not project power like an actual carrier and its role will be limited to support and humanitarian missions. Still France refusing to deliver this ship is a huge problem for Russia. It will also hurt France. $1.58 billion is a lot of money to lose over politics.
As for the argument that it is unethical to sell to Russia when they are so involved in Ukraine, I don't buy it. It would be one thing if France was selling deadly weapons or larger warships, but this is just a helicopter carrier. Plus the whole Ukraine issue shouldn't trump a major arms contract. I know if I was going to buy weapons from France I'd be reconsidering it right now.
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