PARIS, March 21 -- France will suspend its military cooperation with Moscow over Crimea issue, French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said on Friday.

"We have decided to suspend all military cooperation with Russia," the minister was quoted by local media as saying during a visit to Estonia, adding that suspension of military cooperation would concern joint military exercises and exchange of expertise.

Asked if Paris would halt an assault warship deal with Russia, Le Drian said the answer would be known in October, date of the first eventual delivery.