Russia will make financial claims to France if the first of two Mistral helicopter carriers is not delivered by the end of November, an anonymous high-ranking source told RIA Novosti, adding that the sum of the forfeit will be revealed, reports GHN based on RT.
"We are preparing for different scenarios. We are waiting until the end of the month [the fulfillment of Mistral deal], then we will make serious claims," the source said on condition of anonymity.
According to the source, experts are currently analyzing possible damage to Russia if the deal is not fulfilled, and the estimated sum will be made public.
"This amount [of compensation] will not be secret," the source added.
In the meantime, another Russian source in the sphere of military-technical cooperation told RIA Novosti that France hasn't yet withdrawn the invitations to the delivery ceremony for the vessel.
"The French are keeping silent. They invited us [to the ceremony], but haven't withdrawn their invitation yet. [We haven't received] any official address [from them]," he added.
On Thursday, French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Paris hasn't yet fixed a date for delivery of the first of two Mistral helicopter carriers to Russia (scheduled for November 14).
"The president of the Republic has said that a definitive decision will come at the right moment, taking into account all the responsibilities that come with this decision, which is not a simple one," he added.