Mistral Class LHD Vladivostok launch DCNS STX Russian Navy Владивосток ВМФ России BPC

Vladivostok, the first of two BPC-type vessels (LHD - Landing Helicopter Dock) on order from DCNS for the Russian Federation was floated out of its building dock at STX France’s Saint-Nazaire shipyard on 15 October. The event was attended by senior officials representing the French and Russian navies and shipbuilding industries. The programme has proceeded as planned since the contract came into force in late 2011, with the ve