The Mistral helicopter carriers are a class of large amphibious assault ships that are designed for force projection and command. The French made ships are capable of transporting and deploying 16 NH90 or Tiger helicopters, four landing barges, up to 70 vehicles including 13 AMX-56 Leclerc tanks, or a 40-strong Leclerc tank battalion, 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.

A deal for France to build two Mistral helicopter carriers for the Russian Navy was announced by then French President Nicolas Sarkozy on December 24, 2010, and signed by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Igor Sechin and French Defence Minister Alain Juppé in the presence of Sarkozy on January 25, 2011. On September 3, 2014, French President François Hollande announced the halt of delivery of the first warship, Vladivostok, due to Russia's involvement in Ukraine. On November 16, Russan President gave France ultimatum to deliver the ship by November 30, 2014.