Reuters is reporting that Russia has finally placed a long talked about order for French Mistral class assault ships.
France is to build 2 of the vessels with the other 2 being built in Russia.
It is interesting that a country with one of the World's largest land borders feels the need for such amphibious ships to deploy it's troops.
The article says that 2 French made ships will cost (U.S.) $1,520 Million ((U.K.) £944 Million) or $760 Million (£474 Million) each.
It is not clear if this figure includes any licensing fee or other costs relating to the 2 ships to be built in Russia but it makes an interesting comparison with the cost of British and American amphibious vessels.
