France would sustain far larger damage than Russia if Mistral contract suspended - Rogozin
SAMARA. July 21 (Interfax) - Suspension of the Mistral contract would bring Russia much smaller damage than the damage France would suffer, should France backtrack on its obligation to deliver two helicopter carriers to the Russian Navy, said Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin.
"Billions of euros stand behind these contracts. France has always been very pragmatic. I doubt that [Paris will backtrack on its obligations]," Rogozin told reporters in Samara on Monday.
"Suspension of the contract would bring 99% less damage to Russia than to France, as we have every right to claim the money and the deck components made y Russia's Baltzavod which France will have to disassemble," the deputy prime minister said.
"Russia has large-scale assembling know-how today. We can build such ships on our own, if required," he said.
