A French anti-aircraft frigate will arrive on Tuesday to the northern Russian port of Severomorsk to participate in joint naval exercises, a Russian Navy spokesman said.
The Chevalier Paul, a Horizon-class frigate, is to arrive at Severomorsk on March 30, and will then take part in tactical maneuvers and anti-aircraft defense exercises with the Russian Northern Fleet Navy on April 3.
"After leaving the Russian port, the French frigate will participate in...exercises together with ships from the Northern Fleet," the spokesman said.
Russia is negotiating the purchase of a Mistral-class ship from France, worth 400-500 million euros (around $540-$675 million). Russia could also use French technology later to build another three such vessels in Russia in partnership with the French naval shipbuilder DCNS.
A Mistral-class ship is capable of transporting and deploying 16 helicopters, four landing barges, up to 70 armored vehicles including 13 battle tanks, and 450 personnel.
Many Russian military and industry experts have questioned the financial and military sense of the purchase, and some believe that Russia simply wants to gain access to advanced naval technology that could be used in the future in potential conflicts with NATO and its allies.
SEVEROMORSK, March 30 (RIA Novosti)
