Mistral-class helicopter carrier 1st of its kind in Middle East

The amphibious assault ship/helicopter carrier of the French Mistral class, named after late president Gamal Abdel Nasser, is the first of its kind to arrive in Egypt and the Middle East, said Commander of the Egyptian Navy Osama Rabea said.

During the official ceremony held for handing over the Mistral-class helicopter carrier from France to Egypt, Rabea stressed the importance of the ship in light of the sharp political, geostrategic and security changes that have swept the Middle East region over the past five years.

Egypt and France agree that terrorism is a real threat to all world countries, he said, adding that security challenges are no longer constrained to military threats but are now covering those posed by terrorist organizations and organized crimes.

The challenges made it a must to the Egyptian Navy, which is an inseparable part of the Armed Forces, to start a strategy for construction and development, he added.

The constant cooperation between Egypt and France is a reflection of the strong military relationship between them, he said, pointing out to the purchase of a French multi-mission frigate "FREMM" and a deal to build Gowind-class corvettes.

At the end of his speech, the Egyptian flag was raised over the helicopter carrier and the national anthem was played. 

In October 2015, Egypt and France signed a deal to purchase two Mistral-class helicopter carriers during French Prime Minister Manuel Valls's visit to Egypt.

Source: MENA