On December 24, 2010, the Russian President of the time Dmitry MEDVEDEV announced that two Mistral Class warships would be purchased from France for a total of €1.37 Billion. This was the first and the most significant arms procurement of the Russian Federation from the West and a NATO country to date. 

Some of the vessels' features were redesigned to meet the Russian Navy's operational demands in cold weather and icy waters and to enable compatibility with Russian KA-52 and KA-27 helicopters. Unlike French ships, Russian vessels have a modified bridge structure, reinforced hull to operate in arctic zones, runway de-icing system, and an extended stern gate that completely closes the well-deck. Additionally, compared to the French ships, the height of the helicopter hangar was increased to accommodate the coaxial-rotor KAMOV helicopters, which have become the company's trademark.