Joint Statement by the President of the Russian Federation and the French Presidency of the Republic
The President of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev has informed today President of the French Republic Nicolas Sarkozy at the end of the international tender launched on October 5 for the supply to the Russian Navy 2 Projection and Command Vessels (BPC), the Russian authorities have accepted the offer by the consortium formed by French manufacturers DCNS and STX and Russian shipyards OSK.
The consortium's offer provides a first step for the joint construction of two ships of this type, which should be extended by the construction of two additional units.
President Medvedev and President Sarkozy welcomed the implementation of this unprecedented cooperation that will benefit the industry and employment in both countries, and illustrates the willingness and ability of France and Russia develop partnerships in all major areas, including defense and security.
The Presidency of the Republic wishes to add that construction of the Russian BPCs represent for the French industrial groups DCNS and STX equivalent of 5 million hours of work or 1,000 people for four years, mostly in Saint-Nazaire.