With more than 2,000 soldiers, the army of Nicaragua exhibited part of its artillery. Among it, there were the controversial tanks that Nicaragua bought from Russia for almost 80 million dollars.
It was part of a parade honoring the 37th anniversary of the creation of the Nicaraguan Armed Forces.
However, president Daniel Ortega refered to the strengthening of the Nicaraguan military body.
The biggest commitment of the Army of Nicaragua is peace. It is committed to the security and stability of our peoples,
declared Ortega.
In 2012, Nicaragua bought 12 ZU-23-2 air defense systems and several armored vehicles and in 2009, it bought 2 military helicopters.
Costa Rica expressed its concern about these purchases and regretted the investment of resources in arms, when there are more important needs in social and educational areas.
Ortega said that they aim to strengthen the armed forces due to the fight against terrorism, drug trafficking and a desire to defend the motherland.
In addition, the president boasted about Nicaragua security indexes: it is the country with the lowest homicides and violent crimes rates in Central America.