In 2010 and 2011, Russia negotiated to buy Mistral-class amphibious assault ships from France. According to public reports, a contract for two ships was signed in 2011, with an option for more to be built in Russia.
Supporters in Russia said the ships would fill a capability gap, and critics in other countries raised concerns about selling advanced equipment to Russia. After the events of 2014 in Ukraine, delivery was suspended, and the contract was canceled in 2015 with refunds. The ships were later sold to another country.
The episode is often cited in debates about arms exports and the link between industrial interests and security policy.
