France can sell Mistrall to the third countries

France can sell helicopter carriers of the Mistral type to third countries if their transfer to Russia does not take place. This was stated by the former chief inspector of the Navy and deputy chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of France Alain Coldiff, RIA Novosti reports.

According to him, among potential buyers there may be countries such as Portugal, the Netherlands, Australia or Argentina, which need to "move troops and especially place command centers on ships."

He also allowed the possibility of transferring the Mistrals of Russia, since negotiations between the presidents of the two countries are ongoing. In case of successful completion of negotiations, recent contracts for the sale of Rafale fighters will allow France to pay a penalty for a delay in the supply, Koldefi said.

At the same time, Coldef believes that the probability of sinking or disassembling helicopter carriers is very small. He also suggested that Mistrals could put in a dry dock.

Earlier, the French newspaper Le Figaro said that France is considering the flooding of two Mistrals built for Russia, if the contract for their supply is terminated.