View source for Mistral-class landing helicopter dock

{{Short description|French warship class (2005–present)}}
{{About|the amphibious assault ship|the cruise ship class|Mistral-class cruise ship}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}}
{|{{Infobox ship begin}}
{{Infobox ship image
|Ship image= BPC Dixmude.jpg
|Ship caption=BPC {{ship|French ship|Dixmude|L9015|2}} in Jounieh Bay, Lebanon 2012.
}}
{{Infobox ship class overview
|Name=''Mistral'' class
|Builders=*[[DCNS (company)|DCNS]]<ref name=globalsecurity>{{cite web|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/europe/mistral-program.htm|title=Mistral Construction Program|publisher=Globalsecurity.org|access-date=22 August 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110314013451/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/europe/mistral-program.htm|archive-date=14 March 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>
*[[STX Europe]]<ref name="globalsecurity"/>
|Operators=*{{navy|France|name=Marine Nationale}}
*{{navy|Egypt}}
|Class before={{sclass|Foudre|landing platform dock|4}}
|Class after=
|Subclasses=
|Cost={{ShipCost|FRA|451.6|m|year=2012|r=1.14|ref=<ref name=Francebudget2012>{{Cite web | url=http://www.senat.fr/rap/a12-150-8/a12-150-814.html#toc183 | title=Projet de loi de finances pour 2013 : Défense : équipement des forces | language=fr | publisher=Senate of France | date=22 November 2012 | access-date=26 September 2014}} ''Dixmude'' cost France €451.6m at FY2012 prices</ref>}}
|Built range=
|In service range=
|In commission range=December 2005 – present
|Total ships building=
|Total ships planned=5
|Total ships completed=5
|Total ships cancelled=
|Total ships active=5
|Total ships laid up=
|Total ships lost=
|Total ships retired=
|Total ships preserved=
}}
{{Infobox ship characteristics
|Ship type=[[Landing helicopter dock]]
|Ship displacement=*16,500&nbsp;tonnes (empty)
*21,500&nbsp;tonnes (full load)
|Ship length={{convert|199|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
|Ship beam={{convert|32|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
|Ship draught={{convert|6.3|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
|Ship power=3 [[Wärtsilä]] diesel-alternators 16 V32 (6.2&nbsp;MW) + 1 [[Wärtsilä Vasa]] auxiliary diesel-alternator 18V200 (3&nbsp;MW)
|Ship propulsion=2 Rolls-Royce Mermaid [[azimuth thruster]]s (2 × 7&nbsp;MW), 2 five-bladed propellers
|Ship speed={{convert|18.8|kn|0}}
|Ship range=*{{convert|10800|km|nmi|abbr=on}} at {{convert|18|kn|0}}
*{{convert|19800|km|nmi}} at {{convert|15|kn|km/h|0}}
|Ship boats=*4 [[chaland de transport de matériel]] landing craft
* EDA-R/S Amphibious Landing Craft (''S'' models being delivered from 2021)
* Landing Craft Air Cushion (2 could be carried but not acquired by French Navy)
|Ship capacity=70 vehicles (including 13 [[Leclerc tank]]) or a 40-strong Leclerc tank battalion
|Ship troops= 450 troops (or 250 troops plus a military staff of 200 men)
|Ship complement=20 officers, 80 petty officers, 60 quarter-masters
|Ship sensors=*DRBN-38A Decca Bridgemaster E250 navigation radar
*MRR3D-NG air/surface sentry radar
*2 optronic fire control systems
|Ship EW=
|Ship armament=*2 × [[Mistral missile|Simbad]] missile systems
*2 x [[20 mm modèle F2 gun]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.nexter-group.fr/en/press/734-nexter-presente-sa-tourelle-navale-tele-operee-de-20mm-le-narwhalr-au-salon-euronaval-2016-du-17-au-21-octobre |title=Nexter presenting NARWHAL®, its remotely operated 20mm gun turret, at the Euronaval 2016 trade show between 17 and 21 October |website=nexter-group.fr |access-date=31 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731121355/http://www.nexter-group.fr/en/press/734-nexter-presente-sa-tourelle-navale-tele-operee-de-20mm-le-narwhalr-au-salon-euronaval-2016-du-17-au-21-octobre |archive-date=31 July 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
*2{{nbsp}}×{{nbsp}}[[30 mm Breda-Mauser]]
*2 x 7.62mm [[Minigun|M134 miniguns]] 
*4 × 12.7&nbsp;mm [[M2 Browning machine gun|M2HB Browning machine guns]]
|Ship aircraft=16 heavy or 35 light helicopters
|Ship aircraft facilities=6 helicopter landing spots
|Ship notes= 
}}
|}

The '''''Mistral'' class''' is a [[Ship class|class]] of five [[landing helicopter dock]]s built by France. Also known as [[helicopter carrier]]s, and referred to as "projection and command ships" ({{langx|fr|links=no|bâtiments de projection et de commandement}} or BPC) and "porte-hélicoptères amphibie" (PHA) since 2019, a ''Mistral''-class ship is capable of transporting and deploying 16 [[NH90]] or [[Eurocopter Tiger|Tiger]] helicopters, four [[landing craft]], up to 70 vehicles including 13 [[Leclerc tank]]s, or a 40-strong Leclerc tank battalion,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://netmarine.net/bat/tcd/mistral/index.htm |title=BPC Mistral |work=netmarine.net |access-date=30 December 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120102030203/http://www.netmarine.net/bat/tcd/mistral/index.htm |archive-date=2 January 2012}}</ref> and 450 soldiers. The ships are equipped with a 69-bed hospital, and are capable of serving as part of a [[NATO Response Force]], or with [[United Nations]] or [[European Union]] peace-keeping forces.

Three ships of the class are in service in the French Navy: {{ship|French ship|Mistral|L9013|2}}, {{ship|French ship|Tonnerre|L9014|2}}, and {{ship|French ship|Dixmude|L9015|2}}. A deal for two ships for the [[Russian Navy]] was announced by then [[French President]] [[Nicolas Sarkozy]] on 24 December 2010, and signed on 25 January 2011. On 3 September 2014, French President [[François Hollande]] announced the postponement of delivery of the first warship, {{ship|Russian ship|Vladivostok|2013|2}}, in response to the [[Russo-Ukrainian War|Russia–Ukraine crisis]].<ref name="dlbnyt">{{cite news |last1=de la Baume |first1=Maïa |last2=Gladstone |first2=Rick |title=France Postpones Delivery of Warship to Russia |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/04/world/europe/france-russia-warships.html |publisher=The New York Times Company |date=3 September 2014}}</ref><ref name="bbcuc">{{cite news |title=Ukraine crisis: France halts warship delivery to Russia |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-29052599 |publisher=BBC |date=3 September 2014}}</ref> On 5 August 2015, President Hollande and Russian president [[Vladimir Putin]] announced that France would refund payments and keep the two ships; the two ships were sold to [[Egypt]] within one month.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense-news/2015/09/23/france-says-egypt-buy-mistral-warships/72667012/|title=France Says Egypt To Buy Mistral Warships|website=Defense News |date=23 September 2015 |agency=Agence France-Presse|access-date=25 March 2016}}</ref>

==History==

===French doctrine of amphibious operations in 1997===
In 1997, the [[DCNS (company)|DCNS]] started a study for a multi-purpose intervention ship (''bâtiment d'intervention polyvalent'' or BIP). At the same time, the French doctrine of amphibious operations was evolving and being defined as the CNOA ({{langx|fr|links=no|Concept national des opérations amphibies}}, "National design for amphibious operations").<ref name="CNOA">{{cite journal|first=Arnault |last=Credat |editor1-first=Jean-Marie|editor1-last=Veyrat|date=April 2005|title=The national concept of amphibious operations|journal=Objectif Doctrine|issue=36|publisher=Ministry of Defence|location=Metz|issn=1267-7787|url=http://www.cdef.terre.defense.gouv.fr/publications/Objdoc/objdoc36/article_us/art1.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202050146/http://www.cdef.terre.defense.gouv.fr/publications/Objdoc/objdoc36/article_us/art1.pdf|archive-date=2 December 2008}}</ref> The BIP was to renew and increase the amphibious capabilities of the [[French Navy]], which at the time consisted of two {{sclass|Foudre|landing platform dock|0}} and two {{sclass|Ouragan|landing platform dock|0}} [[landing platform dock]]s.

The CNOA was to assert the French Navy's capability to perform amphibious assaults, withdrawals, demonstrations, and raids. This would allow the French Navy to further integrate into the doctrinal frameworks described by [[NATO]]'s ''Allied Tactical Publication'' 8B (ATP8) and the [[European Amphibious Initiative]]. While the CNOA made air capabilities a priority, it also recommended an increase in the number of vehicles and personnel that could be transported and deployed;<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.cedoc.defense.gouv.fr/IMG/pdf/BEM_No33.pdf |title=BPC Classe Mistral: Fer de Lance de la Projection de Forces |journal=Bulletin d'études de la Marine |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061123215455/http://www.cedoc.defense.gouv.fr/IMG/pdf/BEM_No33.pdf |archive-date=23 November 2006 |number=33 |publisher=Ministère de la Défense |date=March 2006 |page=7 |language=fr}}</ref> the CNOA fixed the aim to project a force comprising four combat companies (1,400 men, 280 vehicles, and 30 helicopters) for ten days, in a {{convert|100|km|adj=on}}-deep sector; this force should be able to intervene either anywhere within {{convert|5000|km}} of  [[Metropolitan France]], or in support of [[Overseas France|French oversea territories]] or allies.<ref name="CNOA" /> As well as joint operations with NATO and EU forces, any proposed ship had to be capable of inter-service operations with the [[Troupes de Marine]] brigades of the [[French Army]].<ref>''Terre information magazine'' {{ISSN|0995-6999}}, no. 184 (May 2007)</ref>

===Evolution of the concept===
The studies for a multi-purpose intervention ship ({{langx|fr|links=no|bâtiment d'intervention polyvalent}}, BIP) began during a time where the defence industries were preparing to undergo restructuring and integration. The BIP was intended to be a modular, scalable design that could be made available to the various European Union nations and constructed cooperatively, but political issues relating to employment and repartition of contracts caused the integration of the European nations with naval engineering expertise to fail, and saw the BIP project revert to a solely French concern.{{citation needed|date=July 2013}}

In 1997, several common ship designs referred to as {{lang|fr|nouveau transport de chalands de débarquement}} (NTCD), loosely based on the aborted [[PH 75]] nuclear helicopter carrier, were revealed. The largest design, BIP-19, was the future basis of the ''Mistral'' class. The BIP-19 included a {{convert|190|m|ft|adj=on}} long flush deck, with a {{convert|26.5|m|ft|adj=on}} beam, a draught of {{convert|6.5|m|ft}}, and a displacement of 19,000 tonnes; dimensions which exceeded the requirements of the NTCD concept. Three smaller ship designs were also revealed, basically scaled-down BIP-19 versions, with a common beam of {{convert|23|m|ft}}: BIP-13 (13,000 tonnes, {{convert|151|m|ft}}), BIP-10 (10,000 tonnes, {{convert|125|m|ft}}), and BIP-8 (8,000 tonnes, {{convert|102|m|ft}}). BIP-8 incorporated features of the Italian {{sclass|San Giorgio|amphibious transport dock|0}} amphibious transports, but with a helicopter hangar.

[[File:EDIC Sabre.JPG|thumb|left|Landing craft ''Sabre'']]

At the design stage, the NTCD concept featured an aircraft lift on the port side (like the U.S. {{sclass|Tarawa|amphibious assault ship|4}}), another on the starboard side, one in the centre of the flight deck, and one forward of the island superstructure. These were later reduced in number and relocated: a main lift towards the aft of the ship was originally located to starboard but then moved to centre, and an auxiliary lift behind the island superstructure.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.helicopassion.com/fr/03/nvr04.htm|title=Navy painter André Lambert|access-date=24 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141108041322/http://www.helicopassion.com/fr/03/nvr04.htm|archive-date=8 November 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> Concept drawings and descriptions created by ''[[Direction des Constructions Navales]]'' (DCN), one of the two shipbuilders involved, showed several aircraft carrier-like features, including a [[Aircraft carrier#Ski-jump ramp|ski-jump ramp]] for [[STOBAR]] aircraft (like the [[AV-8B Harrier II]] and [[F-35]]B fighters), four or five helicopter landing spots (including one strengthened to accommodate [[V-22 Osprey]] or [[CH-53 Sea Stallion|CH-53E Super Stallion]] helicopters), and a [[well deck]] capable of accommodating a {{sclass|Sabre|landing craft}}, or two [[Landing Craft Air Cushion|LCAC]] hovercraft.<ref>[http://frenchnavy.free.fr/ships/lhd/ntcd_fr.htm TCD classe NTCD] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040815090708/http://frenchnavy.free.fr/ships/lhd/ntcd_fr.htm |date=15 August 2004 }}</ref> A [[French Senate]] review concluded that STOBAR aircraft were outside the CNOA's scope, requiring design changes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.senat.fr/rap/a01-090-8/a01-090-80.html|title=Avis du Sénat français no 90 du 22 novembre 2001|access-date=24 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109085433/http://www.senat.fr/rap/a01-090-8/a01-090-80.html|archive-date=9 November 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The NTCD was renamed ''Porte-hélicoptères d'intervention'' (PHI, for "intervention helicopter carrier") in December 2001, before being eventually named ''Bâtiment de projection et de commandement'' (BPC) to emphasize the amphibious and command aspects of the concept.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.netmarine.net/bat/tcd/mistral/histoire01.htm|title=Histoire du BPC Mistral (2000 - 2006)|access-date=24 September 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140323094156/http://www.netmarine.net/bat/tcd/mistral/histoire01.htm|archive-date=23 March 2014}}</ref>

===Design and construction===
At Euronaval 1998, France confirmed plans to build vessels based on the BIP-19 concept. Approval for construction of two ships, ''Mistral'' and ''Tonnerre'', was received on 8 December 2000. A construction contract was published on 22 December and, after getting the public purchase authority's approval (''Union des groupements d'achats publics'', UGAP) on 13 July 2001, was awarded to DCN and [[Chantiers de l'Atlantique]] in late July. An engineering design team was established at [[Saint-Nazaire]] in September 2001 and, following consultation between DCA and the ''[[Délégation Générale pour l'Armement]]'' (General Delegation for Ordnance, DGA), began to adapt the BIP-19 design. In parallel, the concept was refined by DGA, DCN, the [[Chief of the Defence Staff (France)|Chief of the Defence Staff]] and Chantiers de l'Atlantique. During the design validation process, a {{Frac|1|120}}th scale model was built and tested in a [[wind tunnel]], revealing that in strong crosswinds, the ship's height and elongated superstructures created turbulence along the flight deck. The design was altered to minimise the effects and provide better conditions for helicopter operations.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onera.fr/zoominthelab/32-ships-aerology-lille-windtunnel.php |title=Air streams on the water |first=Cécile |last=Michaut |date=1 June 2007 |publisher=[[Office national d'études et de recherches aérospatiales]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716022123/http://www.onera.fr/zoominthelab/32-ships-aerology-lille-windtunnel.php |archive-date=16 July 2011}}</ref>

[[File:TCD vs BPC 2.svg|thumb|Comparison between the BPC and the preceding [[Foudre-class landing platform dock|TCD]] types]]
The ships were constructed at various locations in two major and several minor components and united on completion. DCN, the head of construction and responsible for 60% of the value of construction and 55% of the work time, assembled the engines in [[Lorient]], combat systems in [[Toulon, France|Toulon]], and the rear half of the ship, including the island superstructure, in [[Brest, France|Brest]]. [[STX Europe]], a subsidiary of [[STX Shipbuilding]] of South Korea, constructed the forward halves of each ship in Saint-Nazaire, and was responsible for transporting them to DCN's Brest shipyard for final assembly.<ref name=globalsecurity /> Other companies were involved in the construction: some work was outsourced to [[Remontowa|Gdańska Stocznia "Remontowa"]], while [[Thales Group|Thales]] supplied radars and communications systems. Each ship was predicted to take 34 months to complete, with design and construction for both costing 685 million Euros (approximately the same cost for a single ship based on {{HMS|Ocean|L12|6}} or {{USS|San Antonio|LPD-17|6}}, and approximately the same cost as the preceding ''Foudre''-class amphibious ships, which displaced half the tonnage of the ''Mistral'' class and took 46.5 months to complete).<ref>[http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htamph/articles/20070529.aspx Marines : Mistral Shows Up LPD 17] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080530013848/http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htamph/articles/20070529.aspx |date=30 May 2008 }}, in ''Strategy Page'' (29 May 2007)</ref>

Starting from ''Dixmude'', the rest of the French ''Mistral''s and the two Russian ''Mistral''s were built in Saint-Nazaire by STX France, which is jointly owned by STX Europe, Alstom and the French government, with STX Europe having a majority stake. DCNS will provide the combat system.<ref name=globalsecurity /> The Russian ships' sterns were built in [[Saint Petersburg]], Russia, by [[Baltic Shipyard]].

[[File:FS Mistral 04.jpg|thumb|Arrival of the forward part of ''Mistral'' in Brest on 19 July 2004]]

DCN laid the keels for the aft part of both ships in 2002; ''Mistral'' on 9 July, and ''Tonnerre'' on 13 December.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.acoram.com/images/mistral/Dossier_de_presse_BPC.pdf|title=Découpe de la première tôle du ''Tonnerre''|access-date=24 September 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141110022939/http://www.acoram.com/images/mistral/Dossier_de_presse_BPC.pdf|archive-date=10 November 2014}}</ref> Chantiers de l'Atlantique laid the keel of the forward part of ''Mistral'' on 28 January 2003, and of ''Tonnerre'' later.{{When|date=February 2009}} The first block of the rear of ''Tonnerre'' was put in a dry dock on 26 August 2003, and that of ''Mistral'' on 23 October 2003. The two aft sections were assembled side by side in the same dry dock.  The forward section of ''Mistral'' left Saint-Nazaire under tow on 16 July 2004 and arrived in Brest on 19 July 2004. On 30 July, the combination of the two halves through a process similar to [[jumboisation]] began in dock no. 9. ''Tonnerre''{{'}}s forward section arrived in Brest on 2 May 2005 and underwent the same procedure.

[[File:FS Mistral 02.jpg|thumb|''Mistral'' shortly after launching]]

''Mistral'' was launched on schedule on 6 October 2004, while ''Tonnerre'' was launched on 26 July 2005.<ref name=Janes08/> Delivery was scheduled for late 2005 and early 2006 respectively, but was postponed for over a year due to issues with the SENIT 9 sensor system and deterioration to the [[linoleum]] deck covering of the forward sections. They were commissioned into the French Navy on 15 December 2006 and 1 August 2007, respectively.<ref name=Janes08/>

The [[2008 French White Paper on Defence and National Security]] forecast that two more BPCs would be in French Navy service by 2020.<ref>{{cite book |title=The French White Paper on Defence and National Security |last=Mallet |first=Jean-Claude |year=2008 |publisher=Odile Jacob Publishing Corporation |location=New York |isbn=978-0-9768908-2-9 |page=336 |url=http://www.defense.gouv.fr/content/download/134828/1175142/version/1/file/LivreBlancGB.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090206061048/http://www.defense.gouv.fr/content/download/134828/1175142/version/1/file/LivreBlancGB.pdf |archive-date=6 February 2009}}</ref> In 2009, a third ship was ordered earlier than expected as part of the French government's response to the [[Late 2000s recession|recession which began in 2008]].<ref name="New Orders">{{cite news|url=http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=3869809&c=EUR&s=TOP|title=French Detail New Orders, Procurement Changes|last=Pierre|first=Tran|date=18 December 2008|publisher=DefenseNews}}{{dead link|date=August 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> Construction began on 18 April 2009 in Saint-Nazaire; the entire ship was built there due to cost constraints.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.defencetalk.com/france-orders-third-projection-and-command-vessel-17883/|title=France Orders Third Projection and Command Vessel|last=DCNS|first=Tran|date=17 April 2009|publisher=DefenseNews|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100103021010/http://www.defencetalk.com/france-orders-third-projection-and-command-vessel-17883/|archive-date=3 January 2010|url-status=live}}</ref> On 17 December 2009, it was announced that this third ship would be named ''Dixmude''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.meretmarine.com/article.cfm?id=111998&u=8623|title=Le 3ème BPC de la Marine nationale s'appellera ''Dixmude''|work=Mer et Marine|access-date=24 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120225075229/http://www.meretmarine.com/article.cfm?id=111998&u=8623|archive-date=25 February 2012|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>[http://www.defense.gouv.fr/marine/base/breves/apres_le_mistral_et_le_tonnerre_le_dixmude Après le Mistral et le Tonnerre, le «Dixmude»], Ministry of Defence</ref> It had been suggested to use the historic name of ''Jeanne d'Arc'' following the decommissioning of the [[French cruiser Jeanne d'Arc (R97)|helicopter cruiser of that name]] in 2010, but it was opposed by some French naval circles because France no longer operated a dedicated training ship (the traditional role of warships named ''Jeanne d'Arc'') and now rotated the training role between multiple ships in the fleet.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://secretdefense.blogs.liberation.fr/defense/2009/10/le-troisième-bpc-de-la-marine-seratil-la-nouvelle-jeanne-darc-.html|title=Le troisième BPC de la Marine sera-t-il la nouvelle "Jeanne d'Arc" ?|last=Merchet|first=Jean-Dominique|date=17 April 2009|newspaper=[[Libération]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091009233448/http://secretdefense.blogs.liberation.fr/defense/2009/10/le-troisi%C3%A8me-bpc-de-la-marine-seratil-la-nouvelle-jeanne-darc-.html|archive-date=9 October 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> The possibility of a fourth ''Mistral''-class ship was officially abandoned in the [[2013 French White Paper on Defence and National Security]].

==Features and capabilities==
Based on displacement tonnage, ''Mistral'' and ''Tonnerre'' are the largest ships in the French Navy after the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier {{ship|French aircraft carrier|Charles de Gaulle|R91|2}}, for roughly the same height above water.

===Aviation===
The [[flight deck]] of each ship is approximately {{convert|6400|m2|sqft}}. The deck has six helicopter landing spots, one of which is capable of supporting a 33-tonne helicopter. The {{convert|1800|m2|sqft|adj=on}} hangar deck can hold 16 helicopters, and includes a maintenance area with an overhead crane. To aid launch and recovery, a DRBN-38A Decca Bridgemaster E250 landing radar and an [[optical landing system]] are used.

[[File:Mistral-photog07.jpg|thumb|The flight deck of ''Mistral'' as seen from the island superstructure. Both lifts can be seen: the main lift at the rear of the ship, and the auxiliary lift on the extreme left of frame.]]

The flight and hangar decks are connected by two aircraft lifts, each capable of lifting 13 tonnes. The {{convert|225|m2|sqft|adj=on}} main lift is located near the stern of the ship, on the centreline, and is large enough for helicopters to be moved with their rotors in flight configuration. The {{convert|120|m2|sqft}} auxiliary lift is located aft of the island superstructure.

Every helicopter operated by the French military is capable of flying from these ships. On 8 February 2005, a [[Westland Lynx]] of the Navy and a [[Eurocopter AS 532|Cougar]] landed on ''Mistral''. The first landing of a [[NHI NH90|NH90]] took place on 9 March 2006. Half of the air group of the BPCs is to be constituted of NH-90s, the other half being composed of Tigre attack helicopters. On 19 April 2007, [[Aérospatiale Puma|Puma]], [[Eurocopter Ecureuil|Écureuil]] and [[Eurocopter Panther|Panther]] helicopters landed on ''Tonnerre''. On 10 May 2007, a [[CH-53E Sea Stallion|MH-53E Sea Dragon]] of the [[US Navy]] landed on her reinforced helicopter spot off the U.S. [[Naval Station Norfolk]].

According to ''Mistral''{{'}}s first commanding officer, ''Capitaine de vaisseau'' Gilles Humeau, the size of the flight and hangar decks would allow the operation of up to thirty helicopters.<ref name="Sartini">Véronique Sartini, "Entretien avec le capitaine de vaisseau Gilles Humeau", in ''Défense & Sécurité Internationale'' (ISSN 1772-788X), no 19 (October 2006)</ref> ''Mistral'' aviation capabilities approach those of the {{sclass|Wasp|amphibious assault ship|1}}s, for roughly 40% the cost and crew requirements of the American ship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defensenews.com/article/20120205/DEFFEAT05/302050004/Our-View-Mistral-Amphib-Goldmine-Good-Ideas?odyssey=nav|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120731142618/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20120205/DEFFEAT05/302050004/Our-View-Mistral-Amphib-Goldmine-Good-Ideas?odyssey=nav|url-status=dead|archive-date=31 July 2012|title=The Mistral Amphib is a Goldmine of Good Ideas.|work=Defense News|access-date=24 September 2014}}</ref>

===Amphibious transport===
[[File:M1A1 Abrams embarks FS Tonnerre.JPG|thumb|A U.S. Marine Corps [[M1A1 Abrams]] tank embarks aboard ''Tonnerre'' off the coast of North Carolina, US for Composite Training Unit Exercise (7 February 2009).]]

''Mistral''-class ships can accommodate up to 450 soldiers, although this can be doubled for short-term deployments. The {{convert|2650|m2|sqft|adj=on}} vehicle hangar can carry a 40-strong Leclerc tank [[battalion]], or a 13-strong Leclerc tank [[Company (military unit)|company]] and 46 other vehicles. By comparison, ''Foudre''-class ships can carry up to 100 vehicles, including 22 [[AMX-30]] tanks, in the significantly smaller {{convert|1000|m2|sqft|adj=on}} deck.

The {{convert|885|m2|sqft|adj=on}} [[well deck]] can accommodate four landing craft. The ships are capable of operating two LCAC hovercraft, and although the French Navy appears to have no intention of purchasing any LCACs,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.meretmarine.com/article.cfm?id=104723|title=Essais d'enradiage de LCAC réussis pour le BPC Tonnerre|work=Mer et Marine|access-date=24 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120225081607/http://www.meretmarine.com/article.cfm?id=104723|archive-date=25 February 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> this capability improves the class' ability to interoperate with the [[United States Marine Corps]] and the British [[Royal Navy]]. Instead the [[Délégation générale pour l'Armement|DGA]] ordered eight French-designed 59-tonne [[Engin de Débarquement Amphibie Rapide|EDA-R (Engin de débarquement amphibie rapide)]] [[catamaran]]s for operation from the ''Mistral'' class.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.defense.gouv.fr/dga/votre_espace/communiques_de_presse/2009/la_dga_notifie_l_acquisition_d_engins_de_debarquement_amphibie_rapides |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201021133139/http://www.defense.gouv.fr/dga/votre_espace/communiques_de_presse/2009/la_dga_notifie_l_acquisition_d_engins_de_debarquement_amphibie_rapides |url-status= dead |archive-date= 21 October 2020 |title=La DGA notifie l'acquisition d'engins de débarquement amphibie rapides |author=Bruno Daffix |date=15 June 2009 |publisher=[[Ministry of Defence (France)]] |access-date=8 February 2010}}</ref> The EDA-S Amphibious Standard Landing Craft (''Engins de Débarquement Amphibie – Standards'') were subsequently ordered to replace [[Chaland de transport de matériel|CTM landing craft]]. These landing craft began delivery in 2021. Eight are envisaged for operation from the ''Mistral'' class and they have a payload capacity of 65 to 80 tonnes and a maximum speed of {{convert|11|kn}} at full load.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/2021/november/11062-french-navy-receives-two-eda-s-amphibious-standard-landing-crafts.html|title = French Navy receives two EDA-S Amphibious Standard Landing Crafts}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2021/11/first-two-eda-s-next-gen-amphibious-landing-crafts-delivered-to-french-dga/|title=First Two EDA-S Next Gen Amphibious Landing Craft Delivered to French DGA|date=25 November 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/defence/latest/french-navy-eda-s-landing-craft-successfully-conclude-end-user-evaluations|title = French Navy EDA-S landing craft successfully conclude end-user evaluations}}</ref>

<gallery>
File:Mistral-photo21.jpg|Two landing craft in the well deck of ''Mistral''
File:Tonnerre mg 5859.jpg|Aft of ''Tonnerre'', with the well deck door and elevator
File:L-CAT.svg|[[Engin de Débarquement Amphibie Rapide|EDA-R]] [[catamaran]]
</gallery>

===Command and communications===
[[File:Pont d'envol du PCF Mistral.jpg|thumb|The island superstructure, as seen from the flight deck]]
''Mistral''-class ships can be used as command and control ships, with a {{convert|850|m2|sqft|adj=on}} command centre which can host up to 150 personnel. Information from the ship's sensors is centralised in the SENIT system (''Système d'Exploitation Navale des Informations Tactiques'', "System for Naval Usage of Tactical Information"),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.netmarine.net/armes/senit/index.htm|title=Présentation du SENIT|access-date=24 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140914191227/http://www.netmarine.net/armes/senit/index.htm|archive-date=14 September 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> a derivative of the US Navy's [[Naval Tactical Data System]] (NTDS). Problems in the development of the SENIT 9 revision contributed to the one-year delay in the delivery of the two ships. SENIT 9 is based around Thales' tri-dimensional MRR3D-NG Multi Role Radar, which operates on the [[C band (IEEE)|C band]] and incorporates [[Identification friend or foe|IFF]] capabilities. SENIT 9 can also be connected to NATO data exchange formats through [[Link 11]], [[Link 16]] and [[Link 22]].

For communications, the ''Mistral''-class ships use the SYRACUSE satellite system, based on French satellites SYRACUSE 3-A and SYRACUSE 3-B which provide 45% of the [[Super high frequency|Super High Frequency]] secured communications of NATO. From 18 to 24 June 2007, a secure video conference was held twice a day between ''Tonnerre'', then sailing from Brazil to South Africa, and VIP visitors at the [[Paris Air Show]].<ref>[http://www.defense.gouv.fr/marine/base/breves/03_07_07_des_nouvelles_du_tonnerre Brève du ministère de la Défense français du 3 juillet 2007]</ref>

===Armament===
[[File:Mistral forwards 40mm turret.svg|thumb|Emplacement of the bow [[30 mm Breda-Mauser]], not presently installed. Another turret is planned aft.]]
As built, the two ''Mistral''-class ships were armed with two Simbad launchers for [[Mistral missile]]s and four [[M2 Browning machine gun|12.7&nbsp;mm M2-HB Browning machine guns]].<ref name=Janes08>{{cite book |title=Jane's Fighting Ships 2008-2009 |editor-last=Saunders |editor-first=Stephen |publisher=Jane's Information Group |location=Coulsdon |year=2008 |edition=111th |page=255 |isbn=978-0-7106-2845-9 |oclc=225431774}}</ref> Two Breda-Mauser 30&nbsp;mm/70 guns are also included in the design, though not installed as of 2009. Following the experiences of French naval commanders during ''[[Opération Baliste]]'', the French deployment to aid European citizens in Lebanon during the 2006 war, proposals to improve the self-defence capabilities of the two ''Mistral''-class ships were supported by one of France's chiefs of staff.<ref name=Janes08/><ref>{{cite journal|author-link=Xavier Magne |last=Magne |first=Xavier|title=L'opération Baliste |language=French |journal=Défense & Sécurité Internationale |issn=1772-788X |number=2 |date=September–October 2007}}</ref> One suggestion is to upgrade the dual-launching, manual Simbad launchers to quadruple-launching, automatic Tetral launchers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.meretmarine.com/article.cfm?id=105173|title=Améliorer l'autoprotection des BPC du type Mistral |language=fr|work=Mer et Marine |date=29 June 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120214194353/http://www.meretmarine.com/article.cfm?id=105173|archive-date=14 February 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>

Incidents such as the near-loss of the Israeli corvette {{INS|Hanit}} to a [[Hezbollah]]-fired anti-ship missile during the [[2006 Lebanon War]] have shown the vulnerability of modern warships to [[Asymmetric warfare|asymmetric threats]], with the ''Mistral''-class ships considered under-equipped for self-defence in such a situation.<ref name="Sartini"/> Consequently, ''Mistral'' and ''Tonnerre'' cannot be deployed into hostile waters without sufficient escorting ships. This problem is compounded by the small number of escort ships in the French Navy; there is a five-year gap between the decommissioning of the {{sclass|Suffren|frigate|1}}s and the commissioning of their replacements, the {{sclass2|Horizon|frigate|0}} and [[FREMM multipurpose frigate|FREMM]] frigates.

In late 2011, the French Navy selected the [[M621 cannon|NARWHAL20]] [[remote weapon station]] (RWS) to equip ''Mistral'' ships for close-in self-defense. Nexter Systems will deliver two NARWHAL20B guns for each ship, chambered in 20×139mm ammunition, with one gun covering the port bow and the other covering the starboard stern. ''Dixmude'' was the first of the vessels outfitted with the cannons in March 2016.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3705 |title=Nexter NARWAHL 20mm RWS Fitted on French Navy Mistral Class LHD Dixmude |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160319190256/http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3705 |archive-date=19 March 2016 |website=Navyrecognition.com |date=17 March 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In late 2013, the French Navy equipped all three ''Mistral''s with two [[M134 Minigun]]s each; intended for close-in self-defence against asymmetric threats faced during anti-[[piracy]] operations, such as [[speedboat]]s and suicide boats.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.scoop.it/t/defense-news/p/4011047603/2013/11/15/marine-nationale-12-canons-multitubes-m134-dillon-ont-ete-livres-les-tourelles-teleoperees-arrivent |title=Marine Nationale : 12 canons multitubes M134 Dillon ont été livrés. Les tourelles téléopérées arrivent |language=fr |work=Le Marin |via=Scoop.it |access-date=31 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731162405/http://www.scoop.it/t/defense-news/p/4011047603/2013/11/15/marine-nationale-12-canons-multitubes-m134-dillon-ont-ete-livres-les-tourelles-teleoperees-arrivent |archive-date=31 July 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In December 2014, the French Navy awarded a contract to Airbus to study the integration of the [[M270|Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS)]] on ''Mistral''s. This is to increase the ships' [[naval fire support]] capabilities, as 76&nbsp;mm and 100&nbsp;mm guns have been determined to have insufficient range and lethality. The MLRS is in French Army service, using a [[GPS]]-guided rocket with a range of {{convert|70|km|mi|abbr=on}} and a unitary {{convert|90|kg|lb|abbr=on}} high-explosive warhead.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3479 |title=French Navy Looking to Deploy Army MLRS from LHDs for Coastal Fire Support Missions |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160123053903/http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3479 |archive-date=23 January 2016 |website=Navyrecognition.com |date=21 January 2016}}</ref>

<gallery>
File:Mistral mg 5714.jpg|One of the two SIMBAD launchers of ''Mistral''
File:Simbad missile.jpg|An uncovered SIMBAD launcher
File:Mistral mg 5402.jpg|Machine gun on ''Mistral''
</gallery>

===Hospital===
Each ship carries a NATO Role 3 medical facility,<ref name="Mackenzie" /><ref name="newconcept">{{cite web |url=http://ftp.rta.nato.int/public/PubFullText/RTO/MP/RTO-MP-109/MP-109-18.pdf |title=Mistral: a new concept of medical platform |last1=Sicard |first1=B. |last2=Perrichot |first2=C. |last3=Tymen |first3=R. |publisher=NATO |access-date=24 September 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111145748/http://ftp.rta.nato.int/public/PubFullText/RTO/MP/RTO-MP-109/MP-109-18.pdf |archive-date=11 November 2013}}</ref> ''i.e.,'' equivalent to the field hospital of an Army division or army corps, or to the hospital of a 25,000-inhabitant city, complete with dentistry, diagnostics, specialist surgical and medical capabilities, food hygiene and psychological capabilities.<ref>{{cite web |title=Chapter 16: Medical Support |work=NATO Logistics Handbook |url=http://www.nato.int/docu/logi-en/1997/lo-1610.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080520144628/http://www.nato.int/docu/logi-en/1997/lo-1610.htm |archive-date=20 May 2008 |access-date=14 June 2021}}</ref> A [[Syracuse (satellite)|Syracuse]]-based telemedicine system allows complex specialised surgery to be performed.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.meretmarine.com/article.cfm?id=104961 |title=Démonstration des moyens satellites du BPC ''Tonnerre'' au salon du Bourget |work=Mer et Marine |url-status=dead |language=fr |date=12 June 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080213031013/http://www.meretmarine.com/article.cfm?id=104961 |archive-date=13 February 2008}}</ref>

The {{cvt|900|m2}} hospital<ref>{{cite web |url=http://jdb.marine.defense.gouv.fr/post/2009/10/26/LE-SERVICE-DE-RECRUTEMENT-DE-LA-MARINE-EN-SEMINAIRE-A-BORD-DU-MISTRAL |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091031041931/http://jdb.marine.defense.gouv.fr/post/2009/10/26/LE-SERVICE-DE-RECRUTEMENT-DE-LA-MARINE-EN-SEMINAIRE-A-BORD-DU-MISTRAL |archive-date=31 October 2009 |title=Le Service de Recrutement de la Marine en Seminaire a bord du Mistal |language=fr |date=26 October 2009 |publisher=French Ministry of Defence |access-date=14 June 2021}}</ref> provides 20 rooms and 69 hospitalisation beds, of which 7 are fit for intensive care.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defense.gouv.fr/marine/decouverte/materiels/batiments_de_combat/bpc_type_mistral/le_batiment_de_projection_et_de_commandement__mistral. |url-status=dead |title=Le Bâtiment de Projection et de Commandement Mistral |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080321193915/http://www.defense.gouv.fr/marine/decouverte/materiels/batiments_de_combat/bpc_type_mistral/le_batiment_de_projection_et_de_commandement__mistral. |archive-date=21 March 2008 |language=fr |publisher=French Ministry of Defence |access-date=14 June 2021}}</ref> The two surgery blocks come complete with a [[radiology]] room<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bea-fr.org/fr/enquetes/vol.af.447/mistral.fr.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724122032/http://www.bea-fr.org/fr/enquetes/vol.af.447/mistral.fr.pdf |archive-date=24 July 2011 |title=Mistral (L9013) Bâtiment de projection et de commandement (BPC) |language=fr |publisher=French Ministry of Defence |access-date=14 June 2021}}</ref> providing digital [[radiography]] and [[ultrasonography]], and that can be fitted with a mobile [[CT scanner]].<ref name="newconcept"/> 50 medicalised beds are kept in reserve and can be installed in a helicopter hangar to extend the capacity of the hospital in case of emergency.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://servir-et-defendre.com/viewtopic.php?f=316&t=1454&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&sid=d71f1014edbdf9f5e130ee8d60592906|title=BPC : Bâtiments de Projection et de Commandement |access-date=24 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160110215316/http://servir-et-defendre.com/viewtopic.php?f=316&t=1454&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&sid=d71f1014edbdf9f5e130ee8d60592906|archive-date=10 January 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Propulsion===
[[File:Mistral-photo16.jpg|thumb|Two of the Wärtsilä 16 V32 diesel alternators]]
The ''Mistral'' class are the first ships of the French Navy to use [[azimuth thruster]]s. The thrusters are powered by electricity from five 16-cylinder Wärtsilä 16V32 diesel alternators, and can be oriented in any angle. This propulsion technology gives the ships significant manoeuvering capabilities, as well as freeing up space normally reserved for propeller shafts.

The long-term reliability of azimuth thrusters in military use is yet to be rigorously studied, but the technology has been employed aboard ships in several navies, including the Dutch {{sclass|Rotterdam|amphibious transport dock|4}}, the Spanish {{sclass|Galicia|landing platform dock|4}}, and the Canadian {{sclass|Kingston|coastal defence vessel|4}}.{{Citation needed|date=May 2022}}

===Accommodation===
The space gained by the use of the azimuth thrusters allowed for the construction of accommodation areas where no pipes or machinery are visible. Located in the forward section of the ship, crew cabins aboard ''Mistral''-class ships are comparable in comfort levels to passenger cabins aboard contemporary cruise ships.<ref name="Mackenzie"/> Each of the fifteen officers have an individual cabin. Senior non-commissioned officers share two-man cabins, while junior crew and embarked troops use four- or six-person cabins. Conditions in these accommodation areas are said to be better than in most barracks of the [[French Foreign Legion]], and when United States Navy vice-admiral [[Mark P. Fitzgerald|Mark Fitzgerald]] inspected one of the ''Mistral''-class ships in May 2007, it was claimed that he would have used the same accommodation area to host a crew three times the size of ''Mistral''{{'}}s complement.<ref name="Mackenzie">{{cite web|url=http://aviationweek.typepad.com/ares/2007/05/aboard_the_mist.html|title=Aboard the ''Mistral''|last=Mackenzie |first=Christina |work=Aviation Week |access-date=24 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141110050226/http://aviationweek.typepad.com/ares/2007/05/aboard_the_mist.html|archive-date=10 November 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Operational history==
The BPCs are certified as members of the naval component of the [[NATO Response Force]], which allows them to take part in a Combined Joint Task Force. France provided forces to NRF-8 in January 2007, including a Commander Amphibious Task Force and eight ships. The next contribution took place in January 2008 in NRF-10, after [[Military exercise|exercises]] Noble Midas which tested [[link 16]] and the SECSAT system which operationally controls [[submarine]]s. The forces can be set up on 5 to 30 days' notice.

[[File:Le Tonnerre.JPG|thumb|left|''Tonnerre'']]
''Mistral'' made her maiden voyage from 21 March to 31 May 2006, cruising in the [[Mediterranean Sea|Mediterranean]] and the Indian Ocean.

Following the start of the 2006 Lebanon War, ''Mistral'' was one of four French ships deployed to the waters off Lebanon as part of ''Opération Baliste''. These ships were to protect, and if necessary evacuate, French citizens in Lebanon and Israel. ''Mistral'' embarked 650 soldiers and 85 vehicles, including 5 [[AMX-10 RC]] and about 20 [[véhicule de l'avant blindé|VABs]] and [[véhicule blindé léger|VBL]]s. Four helicopters were also loaded aboard, with another two joining the ship near [[Crete]]. During her deployment, ''Mistral'' evacuated 1,375 refugees.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.seaandnavy.com/article.cfm?id=102576 |title=French Navy validates the BPC concept in Lebanon |first=Vincent |last=Groizeleau |publisher=Sea And Navy |access-date=25 February 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716025103/http://www.seaandnavy.com/article.cfm?id=102576 |archive-date=16 July 2011}}</ref>

''Tonnerre''{{'}}s maiden voyage occurred between 10 April and 24 July 2007. During this voyage, ''Tonnerre'' was involved in ''[[Opération Licorne]]'', the French co-deploying complement to the [[United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire]] following the [[First Ivorian Civil War|Ivorian Civil War]]. Gazelle and Cougar helicopters of the French Air Force operated from the ship during 9 July.

[[File:HMS Argyll with the French Ship FS Mistral MOD 45155266.jpg|thumb|left|''Mistral'' sailing with {{HMS|Argyll|F231|6}} off West Africa in 2013]]
At the start of 2008, ''Tonnerre'' was involved in the Corymbe 92 mission (see [[Standing French Navy Deployments]]), a humanitarian mission in the [[Gulf of Guinea]]. During this deployment, ''Tonnerre'' acted on tip-offs from the European Maritime Analysis Operation Centre&nbsp;– Narcotics, and intercepted {{cvt|5.7|t}} of [[Cocaine|smuggled cocaine]]: {{cvt|2.5|t}} from a fishing vessel {{convert|520|km|nmi}} from [[Monrovia]] on 29 January, and {{cvt|3.2|t}} from a cargo ship {{convert|300|km|nmi}} off [[Conakry]].

In May 2008, [[Cyclone Nargis]] struck Burma; the worst natural disaster to hit the region. ''Mistral'', which was operating in the East Asia area at the time, loaded humanitarian aid supplies, and sailed to Burma. The ship was refused entry to the nation's ports;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/country-files_156/burma_483/france-and-burma_6315/humanitarian-actions_6407/tropical-cyclone-nargis-29.05.08_11207.html?var_recherche=Cyclone+Nargis |title=Tropical Cyclone Nargis : French humanitarian aid (May 29, 2008) |date=29 May 2008 |publisher=[[Minister of Foreign Affairs (France)]] |access-date=5 February 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121003171600/http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/country-files_156/burma_483/france-and-burma_6315/humanitarian-actions_6407/tropical-cyclone-nargis-29.05.08_11207.html?var_recherche=Cyclone+Nargis |archive-date=3 October 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defense.gouv.fr/defense_uk/layout/set/print/content/view/full/128579 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021123801/http://www.defense.gouv.fr/defense_uk/layout/set/print/content/view/full/128579 |url-status=dead |archive-date=21 October 2020 |title=Myanmar: the Mistral unloads its freight in Thailand |date=27 May 2008 |publisher=[[Minister of Defence (France)]]}}</ref> the 1,000 tons of humanitarian supplies had to be unloaded in Thailand and handed over to the [[World Food Program]].

French Foreign Minister [[Alain Juppé]] announced on 23 May 2011 that ''Tonnerre'' would be deployed with attack helicopters to the Libyan coast to enforce [[UN resolution 1973]].<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/may/23/apache-helicopters-libya-britain | location=London | work=The Guardian | first=Richard | last=Norton-Taylor | title=Apache helicopters to be sent into Libya by Britain | date=23 May 2011 | access-date=17 December 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161202001639/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/may/23/apache-helicopters-libya-britain | archive-date=2 December 2016 | url-status=live }}</ref>

In September/October 2021, ''Tonnerre'' and ''Mistral'' deployed together for a major military exercise incorporating two helicopter groups (with 25 helicopters), an amphibious engagement group and two escort vessels (the frigates {{ship|French frigate|Forbin||2}} and {{ship|French frigate|Provence||2}}). The exercise was designed to permit units of the navy and army to train "in a high intensity setting" for joint operations.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2021/10/two-french-lhds-and-25-helicopters-take-part-in-large-amphibious-exercise/ |title=Two French LHDs And 25 Helicopters Take Part In Large Amphibious Exercise |work=navalnews.com |last=Vavasseur |first=Xavier |date=13 October 2021 |access-date=14 October 2021 }}</ref>

==Export==
Since 1997, and particularly since the Euronaval 2007, the ''Mistral'' type has been promoted for export. The "BPC family" comprises the BPC 140 (13,500 tonnes), the BPC 160 (16,700 tonnes) and the BPC 250 (24,542 tonnes, {{convert|214.5|m|ft}} long). The BPC 250 was the design from which the final ''Mistral''-class design was derived: the reduction in length and other modifications were a price-saving exercise.<ref name=Borgu>{{cite journal |last=Borgu |first=Aldo |date=23 July 2004 |title=Capability of First Resort?: Australia's future amphibious requirement |journal=Strategic Insights |publisher=Australian Strategic Policy Institute |volume=8 |issn=1449-3993 |url=http://www.aspi.org.au/publications/publication_details.aspx?ContentID=55 |access-date=23 November 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090617214238/http://www.aspi.org.au/publications/publication_details.aspx?ContentID=55 |archive-date=17 June 2009}}</ref>
The BPC 250 concept was one of two designs selected for the [[Canberra-class landing helicopter dock|''Canberra''-class amphibious warfare ships]], to be constructed for the [[Royal Australian Navy]].<ref name=Borgu/> The design finally chosen was the Spanish [[Buque de Proyección Estratégica class amphibious ship|''Buque de Proyección Estratégica''-class amphibious ship]].<ref name=Borgu/>

In 2012, the [[Royal Canadian Navy]] showed "strong interest" in buying two ''Mistral'' ships. The two Canadian ships were to be built by [[SNC Lavalin]], with an option to buy a third. The [[Amphibious Assault Ship Project|project]] represented a total investment of $2.6 billion.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/20120531trib000701292/dcns-propose-la-fregate-fremm-et-le-mistral-au-canada.html |title=DCNS propose la frégate Fremm et le Mistral au Canada |language=fr |work=La Tribune |last=Cabirol |first=Michel |date=31 May 2012 |access-date=16 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151009175825/http://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-finance/industrie/aeronautique-defense/20120531trib000701292/dcns-propose-la-fregate-fremm-et-le-mistral-au-canada.html |archive-date=9 October 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://fr.reuters.com/article/frEuroRpt/idFRLDE70602X20110107 |title=Le Canada s'intéresse aux Mistral de DCNS |date=7 December 2010 |work=Reuters |language=fr |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150630075531/https://fr.reuters.com/article/frEuroRpt/idFRLDE70602X20110107 |archive-date=30 June 2015}}</ref> Canada had also pursued the two former Russian vessels, and Canada's defence minister held a face to face exchange at the NATO Ministerial in June 2015.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/canada-was-actively-pursuing-possible-purchase-of-mistral-class-ships-initiative-on-hold-because-of-election |title=Canada was actively pursuing possible purchase of Mistral-class ships – initiative on hold because of election |work=Ottawa Citizen |last=Pugliese |first=David |date=20 September 2015 |access-date=27 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180211080137/http://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/canada-was-actively-pursuing-possible-purchase-of-mistral-class-ships-initiative-on-hold-because-of-election |archive-date=11 February 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> Canada's attempt to purchase Mistral ship was dropped due to budgetary constraints. In late 2011, the [[Polish Navy]], working closely with the Polish Ministry of Defense, considered purchasing one ''Mistral'' ship. The [[Indian Navy]] has also expressed interest in the design of the ''Mistral'' type as a [[Indian Navy Multi-Role Support Vessel programme|Multi-Role Support Vessel]].{{citation needed|date=April 2023}} [[Brazilian Navy|Brazil]] and [[Turkish Navy|Turkey]] could in time consider purchasing BPCs, but in the end Turkey also chose a derivative of Navantia's ''Juan Carlos I'', {{ship|TCG|Anadolu}}.<ref>{{cite journal |first=Joseph |last=Henrotin |title=Les outsiders de la puissance aéronavale : une prospective à 10 ans |journal=Défense & Sécurité Internationale |language=fr |issn=1772-788X |number=17 |date=July 2006}}</ref> [[Algerian Navy|Algeria]] is also considering the purchase of two BPCs.<ref>{{cite web |first=Jean |last=Guisnel |url=http://www.lepoint.fr/actualites-monde/premiers-details-sur-la-vente-de-quatre-fremm-a-l-algerie/1648/0/244061 |title=Premiers détails sur la vente de quatre FREMM à l'Algérie |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120208000846/http://www.lepoint.fr/actualites-monde/premiers-details-sur-la-vente-de-quatre-fremm-a-l-algerie/1648/0/244061 |archive-date=8 February 2012 |work=Le Point |date=7 May 2008}}</ref><ref>{{Cite press release |url=http://www.ambafrance-dz.org/article.php3?id_article=2056 |title=Escale du "Tonnerre" Bâtiment de projection et de commandement en Algérie, le 9 et 10 juin 2008 |language=fr |publisher=Government of France |access-date=24 June 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080612100141/http://www.ambafrance-dz.org/article.php3?id_article=2056 |archive-date=12 June 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[South Africa]], [[the United Arab Emirates]], [[Malaysia]] and [[Singapore]] also reportedly expressed interest in the ''Mistral'' class.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.ibtimes.com/france-russia-mistral-ships-update-malaysia-buy-aircraft-carrier-2069052 |title=France Russia Mistral Ships Update: Malaysia To Buy Aircraft Carrier? |work=International Business Times |last=McHugh |first=Jess |date=26 August 2015 |access-date=13 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151003060658/http://www.ibtimes.com/france-russia-mistral-ships-update-malaysia-buy-aircraft-carrier-2069052 |archive-date=3 October 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Russian purchase===

In August 2009, [[Army general (Russia)|General]] [[Nikolay Yegorovich Makarov|Nikolai Makarov]], [[Chief of the General Staff (Russia)|Chief]] of the [[General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation|Russian General Staff]], suggested Russia planned to purchase one ship and intended to later construct three further ships in Russia. In February 2010, he said that construction would start sometime after 2015 and would be a joint effort with France.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://fr.rian.ru/defense/20100217/186073776.html |title=La construction en Russie de navires de type Mistral possible d'ici 5-10 ans (Etat-major) |date=17 February 2010 |publisher=[[RIA Novosti]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100221123024/http://fr.rian.ru/defense/20100217/186073776.html |archive-date=21 February 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> French President [[Nicolas Sarkozy]] favoured the building of the first two ships in France and only the second two in Russia.{{citation needed|date=April 2023}} According to Moscow-based [[Centre for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies]], the first ship would be entirely built and assembled in France from 2013,{{citation needed|date=April 2023}} the second would also be built in France, delivered in 2015, but with a higher proportion of Russian components.{{citation needed|date=April 2023}} Two more would be built in Russia by a DCNS/Russian United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC) joint-venture.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-06-11/russia-12-billion-arms-spree-may-benefit-dcns-iveco-update1-.html |title=Russia $12 Billion Arms Spree May Benefit DCNS, Iveco |first=Ilya |last=Arkhipov |date=11 June 2010 |publisher=[[Bloomberg L.P.|Bloomberg]] }}{{dead link|date=April 2023|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> On 1 November 2010, Russia's USC and France's DCNS and STX France signed an agreement to form a [[consortium]], including technology transfer, the USC president stated that it was linked to the  ''Mistral'' deal.{{citation needed|date=April 2023}}
[[File:ManifStNazaireJun14.jpg|thumb|left|A protest against the ''Mistral'' sale to Russia at Saint-Nazaire, June 2014]]

On 24 December 2010, after eight months of talks, Russian President [[Dmitry Medvedev]] approved the purchase by [[Rosoboronexport]] of two ''Mistral''-class ships (and an option for two more) from France for €1.37 billion (€720 million for the 1st ship; €650 million for the second).<ref name="DPA">{{cite web |url=http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/europe/news/article_1585976.php/Russia-to-purchase-four-French-warships |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103215046/http://www.monstersandcritics.com/news/europe/news/article_1585976.php/Russia-to-purchase-four-French-warships |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 January 2013 |title=Russia to purchase four French warships |date=21 September 2010 |work=[[Deutsche Presse-Agentur]] }}</ref> The first ship was expected to be delivered in late 2014 or early 2015; Russia made an advance payment in early 2011 pursuant to 25 January 2011 memorandum of understanding between the two parties.{{citation needed|date=April 2023}} On 25 January 2011, the final agreement between Russia and France was signed.{{citation needed|date=April 2023}}

In the United States, six [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] [[United States Senate|senators]], including [[John McCain]], complained to the French ambassador in Washington about the proposed sale;<ref>{{cite news |title=Critics say proposed sale of French ''Mistral'' ship to Russia will harm region |first=Edward |last=Cody |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |date=2 February 2010 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/02/AR2010020203508.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161227123945/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/02/AR2010020203508.html |archive-date=27 December 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[United States Congress|Congresswoman]] [[Ileana Ros-Lehtinen]], the top Republican on the [[United States House Committee on Foreign Affairs]], introduced a resolution that "France and other member states of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the European Union should decline to sell major weapons systems or offensive military equipment to the Russian Federation."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://thomas.loc.gov/home/gpoxmlc111/hr982_ih.xml |title=Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that France and other member states of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the European Union should decline to sell major weapons systems or offensive military equipment to the Russian Federation |author-link=Ileana Ros-Lehtinen |last=Ros-Lehtinen |first=Ileana |date=16 December 2009 |publisher=[[Library of Congress]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160110215315/http://thomas.loc.gov/home/gpoxmlc111/hr982_ih.xml |archive-date=10 January 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 8 February 2010, Defense Secretary [[Robert Gates]] told French officials that the US was "concerned"; however, accompanying US officials said there is little the US could do to block the deal,<ref>{{cite news |title=Gates Voices Concern About Warship Sale to Russia |first=Tom |last=Shanker |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |date=8 February 2010 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/09/world/europe/09gates.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170504081025/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/09/world/europe/09gates.html |archive-date=4 May 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref> and that it "did not pose a major problem."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=4490124&c=EUR&s=SEA |title=France, U.S. Discuss Russian Mistral Carrier Query |first=Pierre |last=Tran |date=8 February 2010 |publisher=defensenews.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120908121304/http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=4490124&c=EUR&s=SEA |archive-date=8 September 2012}}</ref> The same day, the deal was granted by France's DGA. It was the first major arms deal between Russia and a [[NATO#Participating countries|NATO country]] since the [[Soviet Union]]'s acquisition of [[Rolls-Royce Nene]] and [[Rolls-Royce Derwent]] turbojet engines in 1947.<ref>{{cite news |title=As Its Arms Makers Falter, Russia Buys Abroad |first=Andrew |last=Kramer |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/13/business/global/13ruble.html?hpw |newspaper=The New York Times|date=12 March 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180516103630/https://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/13/business/global/13ruble.html?hpw |archive-date=16 May 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref> NATO members [[Lithuania]], [[Latvia]] and [[Estonia]] protested the deal; Lithuania's Defence Minister [[Rasa Jukneviciene]] stated that "[i]t's a mistake. This is a precedent, when a NATO and EU member sells offensive weaponry to a country whose democracy is not at a level that would make us feel calm."<ref>{{cite web |last=France |first=Agence |url=http://www.defencetalk.com/baltic-states-fault-frances-warship-deal-with-russia-30858/ |title=Baltic states fault France's warship deal with Russia &#124; Navy News at DefenseTalk |publisher=Defencetalk.com |access-date=30 December 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120406225448/http://www.defencetalk.com/baltic-states-fault-frances-warship-deal-with-russia-30858/ |archive-date=6 April 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Some design changes were needed, such as for compatibility with Russian [[Ka-52]] and [[Ka-27]] helicopters. In 2013, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin stated that the ships would not be able to operate in Russia's climate,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/library/news/russia/2013/russia-130126-rianovosti01.htm |title=French Warship for Russia 'Won't Work in Cold' - Minister |first=John |last=Pike |access-date=24 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141109183504/http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/library/news/russia/2013/russia-130126-rianovosti01.htm |archive-date=9 November 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> and required a grade of diesel fuel not produced in Russia.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/library/news/russia/2013/russia-130205-rianovosti04.htm |title=No Fuel in Russia For French-Built Warship - Deputy PM |first=John |last=Pike |access-date=24 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924152626/http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/library/news/russia/2013/russia-130205-rianovosti04.htm |archive-date=24 September 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> Russian General Staff General Nikolai Makarov announced that the first ship would be deployed to the Russian Pacific Fleet, and could transport troops to the [[Kuril Islands]] if sought.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.vedomosti.ru/newspaper/article/252510/francuzy_pridut_morem |newspaper=Vedomosti |date=27 December 2010 |script-title=ru:Французы придут морем |trans-title=French will come by sea |language=ru |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101228010533/http://www.vedomosti.ru/newspaper/article/252510/francuzy_pridut_morem |archive-date=28 December 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref> According to Nikolai Makarov, the chief reason for the ''Mistral'' purchase over domestic producers was that Russia required an unacceptable delay of ten years to develop the technologies needed.{{citation needed|date=April 2023}} In March 2011, the deal stalled on Russian demands for sensitive NATO technologies to be included with the ships.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/library/news/russia/2011/russia-110506-rianovosti02.htm|title=Mistral talks stumble over sensitive technology|first=John |last=Pike|access-date=24 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140907203626/http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/library/news/russia/2011/russia-110506-rianovosti02.htm|archive-date=7 September 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> In April 2011, the Russian President Dmitry Medvedev fired the senior Navy official overseeing the talks with France.{{citation needed|date=April 2023}} On 17 June 2011, the two nations signed an agreement for two ships for $1.7 billion.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/library/news/russia/2011/russia-110617-rianovosti01.htm |title=Russia signs $1.7 bln deal for 2 French warships |first=John |last=Pike |access-date=24 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140921171337/http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/library/news/russia/2011/russia-110617-rianovosti01.htm |archive-date=21 September 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:Севастополь - Saint-Nazaire décembre 2014.jpg|thumb|The planned ''Sevastopol'', late 2014]]
In September 2014, the ''Mistral'' sale was put on hold by French President [[Francois Hollande]] due to an [[arms embargo]] of Russia over the illegal [[2014 Crimean crisis|Russian annexation of Crimea]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.economist.com/blogs/charlemagne/2014/03/europe-and-russia|title=Europe and Russia|date=3 March 2014|newspaper=The Economist|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170829111634/https://www.economist.com/blogs/charlemagne/2014/03/europe-and-russia|archive-date=29 August 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> French foreign minister [[Laurent Fabius]] evaluated the deal in response to the [[2014 Crimean referendum|Crimean referendum]] and the enactment of "phase two" economic sanctions; cancelling the ''Mistral'' contract was considered to be "phase three"; Fabius noted that cancelling would damage France's economy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.ria.ru/russia/20140318/188536562/France-May-Scrap-Russian-Warship-Deal-over-Ukraine-Crisis.html|title=France May Scrap Russian Warship Deal over Ukraine Crisis|work=RIA Novosti|date=18 March 2014|access-date=24 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140802144231/http://en.ria.ru/russia/20140318/188536562/France-May-Scrap-Russian-Warship-Deal-over-Ukraine-Crisis.html|archive-date=2 August 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> In May 2014, Paris had guaranteed the two ships' completion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://dmilt.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9941:russia-france-guarantees-mistral-deal&catid=1:europe&Itemid=57|title=Russia; France guarantees Mistral deal|access-date=24 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129022149/http://dmilt.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9941:russia-france-guarantees-mistral-deal&catid=1:europe&Itemid=57|archive-date=29 November 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> In November 2014, the Hollande government placed a hold on the first delivery to Russia and set two conditions: a ceasefire in Ukraine and a political agreement between Moscow and Kyiv.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/28ff1656-74a2-11e4-8321-00144feabdc0.html#axzz3KQXXpOrf |title=France Suspends Mistral Warship Delivery to Russia |newspaper=The Financial Times |date=26 November 2014 |first1=Michael |last1=Stothard |first2=Adam |last2=Thomson |first3=Kathrin |last3=Hille |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141128063140/http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/28ff1656-74a2-11e4-8321-00144feabdc0.html#axzz3KQXXpOrf |archive-date=28 November 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> In December 2014, Russia gave the French government a choice to deliver the two ships or refund the $1.53 billion purchase price.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.usni.org/2014/12/08/russia-france-give-us-mistrals-refund |title=Russia to France: Give Us the Mistrals or a Refund |publisher=USNI News |date=8 December 2014 |first=Sam |last=LaGrone |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141220111437/http://news.usni.org/2014/12/08/russia-france-give-us-mistrals-refund |archive-date=20 December 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 26 May 2015, Russian news agencies quoted [[Oleg Bochkaryov]], deputy head of the [[Military-Industrial Commission of Russia|Military Industrial Commission]], as saying "Russia won't take them, it's an accomplished fact. Now there's only one discussion—concerning the money sum that should be returned to Russia."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/41a2d91a-03ca-11e5-8585-00144feabdc0.html#axzz3bOGjb9fi |work=Financial Times |title=Russia no longer wants French-made Mistral helicopter carriers |date=26 May 2015 |url-access=subscription}}</ref> On 5 August 2015 it was announced that France shall return Russia's partial payments and keep the two ships intended for Russia.<ref>{{cite web |work=elysee.fr |url=http://www.elysee.fr/communiques-de-presse/article/entretien-telephonique-avec-m-vladimir-poutine-accords-sur-les-bpc/ |title=Entretien téléphonique avec M. Vladimir Poutine - accords sur les BPC |language=fr |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150809011608/http://www.elysee.fr/communiques-de-presse/article/entretien-telephonique-avec-m-vladimir-poutine-accords-sur-les-bpc |archive-date=9 August 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |publisher=kremlin.ru |url=http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/50100 |title=Telephone conversation with President of France Francois Hollande |date=5 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150808010309/http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/50100 |archive-date=8 August 2015}}</ref>

===Egyptian purchase===

On 7 August 2015, a French diplomatic source confirmed that President Hollande discussed the matter with Egyptian President [[Abdel Fattah el-Sisi]] during his visit to Egypt during the inauguration of the [[New Suez Canal]] in [[Ismailia]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.lemonde.fr/afrique/article/2015/08/07/l-egypte-et-l-arabie-saoudite-candidates-au-rachat-des-mistrals_4715520_3212.html |title=Mistral : l'Arabie saoudite et l'Egypte " sont prêtes à tout pour acheter les deux navires " |work=Le Monde |language=fr |date=7 August 2015 |first=Hélène |last=Sallon |access-date=23 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925084005/http://www.lemonde.fr/afrique/article/2015/08/07/l-egypte-et-l-arabie-saoudite-candidates-au-rachat-des-mistrals_4715520_3212.html |archive-date=25 September 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.france24.com/en/20150807-france-mistral-warship-egypt-saudi-arabia-repurchase |title=Egypt, Saudi Arabia 'desperate' to purchase Mistral warships |work=france24 |date=7 August 2015 |access-date=7 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150807234715/http://www.france24.com/en/20150807-france-mistral-warship-egypt-saudi-arabia-repurchase |archive-date=7 August 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> Subsequently, Egypt and France concluded the deal to acquire the two former Russian ''Mistral''s for roughly 950 million euros, including the costs of training Egyptian crews.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/france-to-sell-mistral-warships-to-egypt-1443009701 |title=France to Sell Two Mistral Warships to Egypt |work=The Wall Street Journal|last=Dalton |first=Matthew |date=23 September 2015 |url-access=subscription |access-date=10 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170209090953/https://www.wsj.com/articles/france-to-sell-mistral-warships-to-egypt-1443009701 |archive-date=9 February 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/23/europe/france-egypt-warship-sale/ |title=France to sell Egypt two warships previously contracted to Russia |work=CNN |last1=Cullinane |first1=Susannah |last2=Martel |first2=Noisette |date=23 September 2015 |access-date=23 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150926042723/http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/23/europe/france-egypt-warship-sale/ |archive-date=26 September 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> Speaking on [[Radio Monte Carlo|RMC]] Radio, [[Jean-Yves Le Drian]], French Defence Minister, said that Egypt had already paid the whole price for the helicopter carriers.{{citation needed|date=November 2020}} Egypt also purchased the Russian helicopters that were planned for the ships.

===Mistral 140===
DCNS unveiled a model of a smaller version of the standard ''Mistral BPC 210'' ship called the ''Mistral 140'' in September 2014 at the [[Africa Aerospace and Defence]] 2014 exhibition in [[Pretoria]], South Africa.  Compared to the full-sized ship's 21,500 tons displacement and {{convert|199|m|ft|abbr=on}} length with six helicopter landing spots, the 140 would have a displacement of 14,000 tons, {{convert|170|m|ft|abbr=on}} long with five helicopter landing spots. It would be {{convert|30|m|ft|abbr=on}} wide with a range of {{convert|6000|nmi|mi km|abbr=on}} at 15 knots.

Like the original plans for the ''Mistral BPC 210'' that have not yet come to fruition, the ''Mistral 140'' would have naval guns at the left stern and at the right side of the bow, with heavy machine gun posts on both sides.  There would be a [[well dock]] in the stern for landing craft, and two alcoves on each side to launch [[rigid-hulled inflatable boat]]s, along with a crane positioned amidships behind the superstructure.  The hangar deck would have space for ten helicopters, with a 400&nbsp;m<sup>2</sup> joint operations centre for a command staff. There would be accommodation for about 500 troops as well as over 30 vehicles and a 30-bed hospital.  Propulsion would be provided by two [[azimuth thruster|azimuth pods]] and a bow thruster, probably an all-electric propulsion system like the BPC 210.

DCNS is advertising the ''Mistral 140'' as "a political tool for civilian and military action" for countries that cannot afford the standard ''Mistral'' vessels.  Roles listed include humanitarian and peacekeeping operations, crisis management, force protection, joint headquarters command, medical and logistics support and transport of military forces.  The company is pitching the ship to countries less likely to engage in combat operations which need something more like a multi-role support or logistics ship, particularly the [[South African Navy]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.shephardmedia.com/news/imps-news/aad2014-dcns-markets-mistral-140-africa/|title=AAD2014: DCNS markets the Mistral 140 in Africa |work=Shepherd Media |first=Tim |last=Fish |url-access=subscription |access-date=24 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160110215316/https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/imps-news/aad2014-dcns-markets-mistral-140-africa/|archive-date=10 January 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Ships==
{|class=wikitable
|-
! style="background:#ddd;"| Pennant no.  || style="background:#ddd;"| Name  || style="background:#ddd;"| Laid down  || style="background:#ddd;"| Launched  || style="background:#ddd;"| Commissioned  || style="background:#ddd;"| Homeport
|-
| colspan="6" style="background:#eee;" align=center| '''French Navy'''
|-
| L9013  || {{ship|French ship|Mistral|L9013|2}}  || 10 July 2003  || 6 October 2004      || February 2006  || Toulon
|-
| L9014  || {{ship|French ship|Tonnerre|L9014|2}} || 26 August 2003  || 26 July 2005 || December 2006 || Toulon
|-
| L9015 || {{ship|French ship|Dixmude|L9015|2}} || 18 April 2009 || 17 September 2010<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.meretmarine.com/article.cfm?id=114931 |title=Saint-Nazaire : Le BPC ''Dixmude'' transféré au bassin C |date=20 December 2010 |publisher=Mer et Marine |access-date=26 December 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101226081628/http://www.meretmarine.com/article.cfm?id=114931 |archive-date=26 December 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref> || 27 December 2012<ref name="Netmarine">{{cite web |url=http://www.netmarine.net/bat/tcd/dixmude/histoire01.htm |title=Histoire du BPC Dixmude (2008 - ...) |author=Jean-Michel Roche |year=2012 |access-date=29 August 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018153434/http://netmarine.net/bat/tcd/dixmude/histoire01.htm |archive-date=18 October 2012}}</ref> || Toulon
|-
| colspan="6" style="background:#eee;" align=center| '''Egyptian Navy'''
|-
| L1010 <ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.meretmarine.com/fr/content/limpressionnante-montee-en-puissance-de-la-flotte-egyptienne|title=L'impressionnante montée en puissance de la flotte égyptienne|date=18 April 2016|access-date=18 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160419214313/http://www.meretmarine.com/fr/content/limpressionnante-montee-en-puissance-de-la-flotte-egyptienne|archive-date=19 April 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> || {{ENS|Gamal Abdel Nasser|L1010|2}}<br />(ex-''Vladivostok'')||18 June 2013<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ria.ru/defense_safety/20130618/944048769.html|title=Франция закладывает второй корабль типа "Мистраль" для России|work=РИА Новости|date=18 June 2013|access-date=24 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141106214251/http://ria.ru/defense_safety/20130618/944048769.html|archive-date=6 November 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> || 20 November 2014<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://ria.ru/world/20141120/1034369611.html |title=Второй вертолетоносец типа "Мистраль" спущен на воду во Франции |date=20 November 2014 |access-date=13 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150807200914/http://ria.ru/world/20141120/1034369611.html |archive-date=7 August 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://flotprom.ru/news/index.php?ELEMENT_ID=147177|title=Второй вертолетоносец типа "Мистраль" для России будет спущен на воду в октябре 2014 года|access-date=24 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141108053512/http://flotprom.ru/news/index.php?ELEMENT_ID=147177|archive-date=8 November 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> || 2 June 2016<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36433948|title=Egypt warship: First French-made Mistral ship handed over - BBC News|work=BBC News|date=2 June 2016|language=en-GB|access-date=4 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180901145537/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-36433948|archive-date=1 September 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
||Safaga<ref>{{cite news|url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/254484/Egypt/Politics-/Egypts-Sisi-inspects-southern-naval-fleet-units-at.aspx|title=Egypt's Sisi inspects southern naval fleet units at Port Safaga|date=5 January 2017|access-date=6 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170511081704/http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/254484/Egypt/Politics-/Egypts-Sisi-inspects-southern-naval-fleet-units-at.aspx|archive-date=11 May 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| L1020 || {{ENS|Anwar El Sadat|L1020|2}}<br />(ex-''Sevastopol'')|| 1 February 2012{{citation needed|date=April 2023}} || 15 October 2013<ref>{{cite web|url=http://en.ria.ru/military_news/20131015/184162663/France-Floats-Out-First-Russian-Mistral-Warship.html|title=France Floats Out First Russian Mistral Warship|work=RIA Novosti|date=15 October 2013|access-date=24 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141030033442/http://en.ria.ru/military_news/20131015/184162663/France-Floats-Out-First-Russian-Mistral-Warship.html|archive-date=30 October 2014|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1304 |title=DCNS launch Vladivostok, Russian Navy's first Mistral class LHD(Navy recognition) |date=16 October 2013 |access-date=20 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019232054/http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1304 |archive-date=19 October 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref>||16 September 2016<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/244018/Egypt/Politics-/Egypt-to-receive-second-Mistral-helicopter-carrier.aspx|title=Egypt to receive second Mistral helicopter carrier on Friday|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160916192840/http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/244018/Egypt/Politics-/Egypt-to-receive-second-Mistral-helicopter-carrier.aspx|archive-date=16 September 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>||Alexandria
|}

==See also==
* {{Sclass|Canberra|landing helicopter dock|1}}
* {{Sclass|Dokdo|amphibious assault ship|1}}
* [[Project 23900 amphibious assault ship]] – Russia's future landing helicopter dock, a replacement for the two undelivered ''Mistral''-class vessels

==Notes and references==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==Further reading==
*{{cite book |last1=Moulin |first1=Jean |title=Tous les porte-aéronefs en France: de 1912 à nos jours |date=2020 |publisher=Lela Presse |location=Le Vigen, France |isbn=978-2-37468-035-4|language=fr|trans-title=All the Aircraft Carriers of France: From 1912 to Today|series=Collection Navires et Histoire des Marines du Mond; 35}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Mistral class LHD}}
* [http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=531 Mistral class (Navy recognition)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160419204904/http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=531 |date=19 April 2016 }}
* French Marine Nationale - [http://www.defense.gouv.fr/marine/decouverte/equipements/renouvellement_des_moyens/le_bpc_un_navire_nouvelle_generation Le BPC, un navire nouvelle génération]
* [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/europe/mistral.htm globalsecurity.org]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070203074056/http://www.dcn.fr/us/offre/batiments_surface/mistral.html DCN.fr]
* [http://www.meretmarine.com/article.cfm?id=102331 Meretmarine.com]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20081115060154/http://www.dcnsgroup.com/cen/mistral.html DCNS]

{{Mistral class amphibious assault ship}}
{{French Navy Vehicle}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Mistral Class Amphibious Assault Ship}}
[[Category:Mistral-class amphibious assault ships| ]]
[[Category:Amphibious warfare vessels of France| ]]
[[Category:Amphibious warfare vessel classes]]
[[Category:Helicopter carrier classes]]
[[Category:Ship classes of the French Navy]]