Both Russian and foreign companies will participate in a tender for the construction of helicopter carriers for the Russian Navy, Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov said on Wednesday.

"We will announce the date of the tender in the next month. The tender is likely to be closed," Serdyukov told a meeting with the Russian and French defense and foreign ministers.

On August 20, Serdyukov said that the ministry had announced an international tender for the construction of two amphibious assault ships and that the results of the tender would be announced before the end of the year. He also said the Mistral manufacturer could participate in the tender.

The Russian United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC) is likely to take part in the tender, the minister said on Wednesday.

Commenting on the possible price of the ships, Serdyukov said Russia was waiting for "the price structure" to be announced by the French side.

Russia is holding talks with France on the purchase of Mistral-class warships on a 2+2 scheme whereby Russia will buy one or two French-built Mistrals and build another two under license at home.

The Mistral class ship is capable of transporting and deploying 16 helicopters, four landing barges, up to 70 armored vehicles including 13 battle tanks, and 450 personnel.

MOSCOW, September 8 (RIA Novosti)