Nicaragua has its eyes on some new Russian battle tanks

(Russian state media photo of a T-72 participating in the World Tank Biathlon)

August 14^th, 2015 (ICR News) Nicaragua is about to conclude its participation in the Russian-hosted “World Tank Biathlon” and is considering the purchase of some Russian-made T-72B3 main battle tanks, Russian media reports.

Tass cited the Nicaraguan Embassy as being so impressed with the T-72B3 tank their servicemen used in the tank biathlon, that they were now considering buying some. “We hope that soon our army will receive the T-72. I think we can discuss a purchase,” Juan Ernesto Vazquez Araya, the Nicaraguan ambassador to Russia said.

Venezuela also expressed its interest in acquiring some of the military equipment used during the games.

Nicaragua’s ambassador also said his country is considering expanding its participation in international military games next year.

The “World Tank Biathlon” has attracted 11 million viewers who watched the military games online, according to Russia’s RIA news agency.

The final event of the competition, the much hyped tank biathlon final, takes place this Saturday, with Russia already firm favorites to win after completing its obstacle course in the shortest time and hitting all targets during Thursday’s semi-final, state news agency Itar-Tass reports.

Currently Russia, China, Kazakhstan and India’s tank teams have qualified for the final.  NATO countries were not invited to participate.

Growing Russia-Nicaragua ties

Russian president Vladimir Putin visited Nicaragua and had a one hour meeting with Nicaraguan president Daniel Ortega in July of last year.  It was the first visit by a Russian president to Nicaragua.

Costa Rica last year expressed its concern over deepening military ties between Russia and Nicaragua.

Russian Defense Minister, Serguei Shoigu said last year that Russia had its eyes on expanding its military presence by establishing military bases in Nicaragua, Venezuela and Cuba.

Watch Nicaraguan troops participate in the World Tank Biathlon (Nicaraguan troops are in the tank with the blue triangular flag):