US to France: Sell the carriers to NATO!

The military deal between France and Russia is sparking more controversy. U.S. is now urging France to break the contract and sell the two helicopter carriers to NATO forces or at least lease them.

France signed a deal with Russia a few years ago to buy two state of the art helicopter carries. Moscow administration has even payed in advance more than half for the two ships. However, the Ukrainian crisis sparked controversy over the deal and heavy criticism for France.

“It is critical that NATO countries no longer provide powerful weapons to enhance Russia's ability to intimidate its neighbours. These ships would enhance the very expeditionary capabilities Russia used to capture Crimea,” part of an official note from US lawmakers lead by congressman Eliot Engel to Paris administration.

The solution also came from the US. The deal should be scrapped, but the ships should be used by NATO forces. “If NATO would buy or lease the ships instead of Russia it would send a strong signal to President Vladimir Putin that NATO allies will not tolerate or in any way enable his reckless moves,” they added.

The first helicopter carrier is set to hit the water in October and France said a few weeks back it plans to respect the deal, but it will leave the door open for a re-examination over the 1.6 billion dollar contract.

The Mistral is an amphibious assault ship with the main purpose of carrying helicopters for the French Navy. These are built by Arsenal de Brest, Chantiers de Saint-Nazaire in Toulon. The ships is designed to carry 16 heavy armored helicopter or more than 35 light copters, but also 60 armed vehicles and 700 troops.