France to Sell Two Mistral Warships to Egypt that were originally built for Russia

French-built warship BPC Vladivostock, which was designed 

to strengthen Russia's ability to deploy troops, tanks and 

helicopter gunships, in Saint-Nazaire harbor, western France 

in March. France said Wednesday it is selling two Mistral class 

warships that were originally intended for Russia to Egypt. 

Photo: AP

Egypt will buy two warships that France originally built for Russia but refused to deliver because of Moscow’s role in the conflict in Ukraine, French President François Hollande said on Wednesday.

Egypt will pay €950 million ($1.06 billion) for the two Mistral class warships, French defense officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Russia agreed to pay €1.2 billion for the Mistrals, but the officials said the two contracts aren’t identical: Notably, France was supposed to help Moscow build future models of the ships in Russia.

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Transferring that capability isn’t part of the deal with Egypt, the officials said.

The vessels would add powerful capabilities to Egypt’s military arsenal, as President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi battles Islamist militant threats to his government in places such as the Sinai Peninsula and from across Egypt’s western border in Libya. For France, the deal closes an uncomfortable chapter in Mr. Hollande’s presidency that forced him to choose between cultivating Russia as a major customer of the French defense industry or severing ties because of Moscow’s support for pro-Russian rebels in Ukraine.

The accord is also a further sign that Egypt and other Arab governments have been moving to reduce their dependence on the U.S. as a military supplier. France has been eager to step in. Earlier this year, Egypt bought 24 Rafale fighter jets, made by France’s Dassault Aviation SA, for around €5 billion.

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