Russia to build three more frigates for India: Reports

Moscow, Dec 13 (UNI) Russian state arms exports agency Rosoboronexport is in negotiations with India to construct three more 11356 class frigates worth 1.7 billion dollar.

Leading Russian business daily Kommersant said today that Severnaya Verf shipyard is expected to be chosen as the main implementer of the contract.

''Despite problems with previous supply of frigates, experts believe it is highly likely that the contract will be signed, taking into consideration India's demand for the ships,'' the paper wrote.

A spokesman for one of Russia's specialized departments told Kommersant that ''negotiations are now in full swing, and we expect that the contract will be signed soon.'' The paper said quoting sources in the Russian shipbuilding industry that the sides have been in negotiations since 2006, and India may send a request to the Federal Agency on Military and Technical Cooperation in April-May 2008.

Saint Petersburg-based Severnaya Verf, belonging to United Industrial Corporation (UIC), is among the main contestants for the contract, while Baltiisky Zavod, another UIC member, might join the project, the daily wrote.

UNI