Latvia seeking NATO support over Mistral threat

Mistral warships are equipped with advanced NATO-standard technology

From RIA Novosti:  Latvia will ask NATO for support if Russia deploys French-built Mistral warships in the Baltic Sea because it would change the balance of forces in the region, Defense Minister Artis Pabriks said on Wednesday.

Russia and France signed last Friday a $1.7 billion (1.2 bln euro) contract on two French-built Mistral class amphibious assault ships for the Russian Navy, which includes the transfer of sensitive technologies.

"If these helicopter carriers appear in the Baltic Sea, Latvia will ask France and NATO in general for military and political support," Pabriks said. "The size of this support should be adequate to restore the balance of forces in the region."  (photo: defpro.com)

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