Mistral-class Sevastopol helicopter carrier to serve as flagship of Russia's naval group in Mediterranean

The Sevastopol helicopter carrier, a Mistral-class amphibious assault ship, will serve as the flagship of the Russian naval group in the Mediterranean after it joins Russia's Black Sea Fleet, a Russian military source told Interfax-AVN on Saturday.

"The Sevastopol helicopter carrier will become the flagship of the Russian naval operational group in the Mediterranean by 2017. After commissioning, this ship will possess all the necessary features to lead the permanent naval group in the Mediterranean," he said.

The Sevastopol and escort ships could be involved in special operations in the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, he said.

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