From RIA Novosti: Russia has reached the final stage of talks on the purchase of four French Mistral class helicopter carriers, the Russian defense minister said on Monday.

"At the moment we are in pre-contract talks on the warships with three states: Spain, the Netherlands and France. We plan to sign a contract for four of these ships," Anatoly Serdyukov said.

Serdyukov said one vessel would be built abroad and the other three with the help of Russian shipbuilders. He said the full construction of the fourth vessel would take place in Russia.  (photo: Reuters)

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