A couple of interesting notes regarding waters where the Coast Guard frequently operates, both concerning Nicaragua. First they seem to be getting drug enforcement intelligence from the Russians, and the US does not mind. Second they are getting six vessels from the Russians, that may be usable for law enforcement or for possible sovereignty patrols over their newly expanded EEZ.
Two of these ships are 550 ton ASUW and AAW missile equipped Molniya Class Corvettes like the one pictured above, a development of the older Turantul Class Corvette. The other four are closer to 110 foot WPBs, if a bit more heavily armed.
Costa Rica is apparently concerned. I’ve got a soft spot for Costa Rica. Their only armed service is their Coast Guard, and they have had some run-ins with Nicaragua in the past.
Chuck Hill's CG Blog 
It would not surprise me of Nicaragua. get’s something of a Steregushchy corvettes, Gepard Frigates or the Buyan class corvettes. It would give them a creditable corvette Navy/Coast Guard as well
Of course, they will have to be kept running. I wonder what their material condition is.
Lots of these out there. Russian equipment seems to be more idiot proof than most.
Which is why with Russian hardware, it’s liken to comparing a Ford to a BMW. The Russian hardware is simpler to operate for those who don’t have the technical know how and expertise. On the plus side, if Nicaragua goes with the Russian route for Steregushchy corvettes, Gepard Frigates or the Buyan class corvettes. It would give them a creditable navy/coastguard. On top of that, Russian hardware is very cheap to get.
I would rather they didn’t, we don’t need an arms race down there.
But Chuck, the way things are going right now with the Anti-American sentiment, Countries that use to like America are hating us now and are looking to Russia and even China for Military Hardware. It won’t be long before we see a South American Arms Race, with Russia and China competing in South America with Military sales.
All those Latin American countries may look the same to Americans, but despite the “Continent of Peace” label, there have been some significant and bloody disagreements between these countries. Our friend, Colombia, has had disagreements with at least three of its neighbors. This is not new, it has been going on since they broke away from Spain.
You wonder why those Latin American countries are now looking to Russia and China for Military hardware. Look at Argentina for instance, their looking to produce and operate the JF-17 fighter. Venezuela is rumored to be in talks with Russia to buy Kilo class SSK. Peru is rumored to buy an LPD and update their Air force.
@Nicky, “You wonder why those Latin American countries are now looking to Russia and China for Military hardware. Look at Argentina for instance, their looking to produce and operate the JF-17 fighter. Venezuela is rumored to be in talks with Russia to buy Kilo class SSK. Peru is rumored to buy an LPD and update their Air force.”
Russian and Chinese equipment is relatively cheap. I think the question may be why they don’t buy more of it. Venezuela’s purchase of eight ship from Spain rather than the Russians is particularly surprising.
it could be that the western nation,meaning the coward nato,28 counttries including usa.
russian as some people say it like comparing a ford with a bmw,is stupid that comparison,as i said before,if the other nations think that russia build junk weapons,why those cowards nation dont challenge rusia and china?
the varsovia treaty dessapeared on the 90s,and the buchers of nato treaty is still alive.then who is the junk,rusia or western and us nations?
Reblogged this on Naval Matters.
I wonder?
(Six) Russian navy ships make peace visit to Cuba
Russian navy fleet docks in Cuba on friendly visit
HAVANA, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) — A flotilla of three Russian warships, led by the missile cruiser Moskva, called at the port of Havana Saturday on a friendly visit, the first such trip in four years.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2013-08/04/c_125112327.htm
Photos: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/photo/2013-08/04/c_132599785.htm
I wonder?
(Six) Russian navy ships make peace visit to Cuba
Russian navy fleet docks in Cuba on friendly visit
2013-08-04 05:08:23
HAVANA, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) — A flotilla of three Russian warships, led by the missile cruiser Moskva, called at the port of Havana Saturday on a friendly visit, the first such trip in four years.
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2013-08/04/c_125112327.htm
Photos: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/photo/2013-08/04/c_132599785.htm
Wait a minute, 6-ships means a load of sailors too!
Will they all fly back to Russia? Or stay to man the ships?
Philohio, If you are thinking there is some connection between the Russian Fleet visit to Cuba and the six boats for Nicaragua, I don’t think so.
The Russians and the Chinese both want to broaden their influence. The Russians have already made some significant military sales in Latin America and the Chinese have made a lot of business investments. Don’t think any of that is particularly troubling.
The most troubling news I have heard out of Latin America recently is that the Spanish are selling 20 Mirage fighters to Argentina. Both Spain and Argentina are in territorial disputes with the UK and this is the first significant upgrade of the Argentine Armed forces since the Falklands war. http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/falklands-alert-argentina-strikes-145million-2121901
You’re right about China, they want to build a new canal across Nicaragua.
i wonder,why usa is cares about if nicaragua gets these warship from russian? us does sell weapon to its friend colombia,since the cji ruled in favor of nicaragua,why usa does not say anything about it friend that does not want to acept the cji rulling? so,nicaragua has the right to get weapon from rusia to be ready for anything that colombia would want to do.
usa does not help,then dont disturb to another in special a small country to defend itself from the enemy with the russian help.
Colombia threatening Nicaragua over US company offshore oil exploration:
http://www.ibtimes.com/colombia-warns-nicaragua-not-explore-oil-caribbean-waters-claimed-colombia-1370589