EU may buy French warships built for Russia

[questionmark]

PARIS, Aug. 4 (UPI) -- The European Union may acquire two Russian warships currently under construction in France, analysts say.

The possibility comes as the United States and Western Europe tighten economic sanctions against Russia, and Monday's denial of a German defense contractor's delivery of military components to Russia by the German government.

The first of two Mistral-class ships purchased by Russia -- essentially small aircraft carriers designed for helicopter takeoff and landing -- is nearing completion at the STX Les Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in southwestern France.

Read more: http://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2014/08/04/EU-may-buy-French-warships-built-for-Russia/4611407166678/#ixzz39SM6MRRh

Hmmm... lets guess, starting a Navy through the backdoor?

[Space Commander Travis]

And no one will consider it dubious in any way that the EU wants to set itself up as a military power of its own, independent of the nations that are all members of the happy European family.

or indeed whether the French or the EU have any right to confiscate these ships, even if they were ordered (and paid for?) by the Tyrant Putin.

[keithisco]

I would be surprised if the EU Treaties allowed this - but will check on it. What would the EU do with 2 helicopter carriers anyway? The UK could always buy them if it wanted to.

[stevewinn]

Its never going to happen, The Russians have paid for that order and the French defence industry will deliver. because if they don't then future orders will be put at risk. France will not allow its defence industry to be damaged in this way. its credibility will be questioned and potential future orders will likely be cancelled. the likes of Argentina, Saudia Arabia, Qatar, India. Russia. (a list of countries with not the best human rights records) are they really going to place orders with an Industry that doesn't deliver. No is the answer - not just that, a lot of brown paper bags have already exchanged hands and the money spent on the luxuries of life. IF those concerned don't deliver they better keep away from glowing teapots and umbrellas with poisoned tips.