Military Cooperation between Russia and Nicaragua at the Present Stage

Modern relations between Russia and Nicaragua are at the stage of intensification and deepening of ties within the framework of a strategic partnership, in which contacts in the defence sector increasingly taking a primary place. In order to determine the place and role of military cooperation in the foreign policy of each side, the article examines such issues as the factors of rapprochement, origins of modern strategic partnership and main areas of interaction in the defence sector. It was concluded that a whole range of historical, military, economic, political and strategic factors contribute to the rapprochement of the two countries. The foundation for military cooperation was laid back in 2008, but the transition to the status of strategic partnership took place only in 2014. Interaction between the two states in the defence sphere is carried out in four main areas, which are related to the temporary basing of the Navy and Air Force, the supply of weapons and equipment, military training and exercises, and the exchange of military intelligence data. Within the framework of the recently signed military cooperation agreement of November 30, 2024, all the designated areas have been structured and expanded in order to further deepening mutually beneficial ties. Nicaragua, at Russia’s expense, carries out the national task of strengthening the armed forces and Moscow is instead uses Managua as a strategic springboard for expanding its presence in the Western Hemi-sphere.