ABOUT THE MISTRAL SALE


 

On Wednesday, September 3, 2014, France temporarily halted the planned sale of two French-built Mistral-class amphibious warships to Russia citing Russia’s support for separatist forces in Ukraine and the danger these groups pose to Europe. While this is an important step for global security, the future of the deal remains uncertain and it is critical that the dangers posed by this potential transaction be brought to the public’s attention.

 

The ships are the state of the art in amphibious assault; more than twice the length of a football field, they each can carry 700 troops, 60 armored vehicles, four landing craft, and 16 helicopters. Rep. Eliot L. Engel, the Ranking Member on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, has recommended to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization that they purchase or lease the two warships. This course would represent a win-win-win situation: keeping the ships out of Russian hands, strengthening the Alliance’s assets and forestalling the body blow to French manufacturing and exports. Retired Adm. James G. Stavridis, former NATO Supreme Allied Commander, in addition to supporting this action, has stated that the ships would be a strong addition to the newly announced NATO rapid response force.

 

As Mr. Putin continues to destabilize Eastern Europe the West must work together to halt Russian aggression and ensure that it does not help facilitate the enhancement of the Russian military.

 


 
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