Nicaragua likely to enhance aerial capabilities with Russian MiG-29 fighter aircraft

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World Defense & Security News - Nicaragua
 
 
Nicaragua likely to enhance aerial capabilities with Russian MiG-29 fighter aircraft
 
Nicaragua plans to purchase a batch of warplanes, including Russian MiG-29 fighter jets, to fight drug trafficking in coastal areas. This was stated by General Adolfo Zepeda, a spokesman for the Nicaraguan Army. “We plan to buy a batch of warplanes that would be used only for defence purposes, not for air strikes,” Mr. Zepeda said, noting that Nicaragua is not going to create any military threat for its neighbors in the region.
     

Russian MiG-29 Fulcrum fighter aircraft
     
The authorities of our country respect the international law and settle any disputes with neighboring states on the basis of the verdicts of the International Court of Justice,” the spokesman added.

In 2012, the International Court of Justice passed a decision to provide Nicaragua with 75,000 square kilometers in the Caribbean. Today, the country intends to take additional measures in this region to fight drug trafficking.

Nicaragua's aerial capabilities already include Russian equipment, with 9 armed Mi-17 multi-role helicopters and some Mi-24 Hind attack and transport helicopters.

Russia also announced today that its Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu will sign a number of bilateral agreements between Russia and the Central American nation in the next few days.

Moscow is holding negotiations with Managua on using Nicaraguan aerodromes, establishing centers for inventory and logistical supports for the Navy, and simplifying the procedure for Russian ships to call at the country’s ports. Shoigu said the issue of using aerodromes in Nicaragua and Cuba is "close to practical realization."

The Central American nation may also be interested in Russian defense-related products. Russia’s arms exporter Rosoboronexport said that Nicargaua will consider offers "in the aviation sphere", reports Russian news agency ITAR-Tass today.