Egypt signs deal with France to buy 2 Mistral warships

Egypt signed on Saturday a deal with France to buy two Mistral warships, the state-run Ahram website reported.

The deal was clinched at a conference attended by Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi and visiting French Prime Minister Manuel Valls along with some senior officials from both sides.

The two Mistral helicopter carriers were initially built by France for Russia. However, the deal signed in 2011 was suspended in Sept., 2014 and Paris decided not to deliver the warships to Russia over Moscow's alleged role in the Ukrainian conflict.

The two ships will cost Egypt an estimated one billion U.S. dollars while Russia was ready to pay 1.34 billion dollars.

Egypt is expected to receive the warship in March next year.

Mistral Class ships can carry and deploy up to 16 helicopters, including attack choppers in addition to a big number of troops, some 13 tanks and armored vehicles. Vessels of this class are equipped with a 69-bed hospital, and could be used as amphibious command ships.

Analysts say the new deal will empower Egypt in its war against internal and regional terrorism that has so far caused death of hundreds of Egyptians inside and outside the country.

Manuel Valls arrived in Egypt late on Friday, accompanied by 63 diplomats and journalists, the reports said, adding that the visit is expected to involve other deals, mostly economic ones. Endit