Annual defense budget: $31m 

Defense spending trend: Up 15% in 2002

FSLN forces once formed the basis of the army, which was cut from a civil war peak of 134,000 to 10,000 by 1995. Senior Sandanistas were among officers retired in 1998. The army is to be involved in more community-based roles focused on the defense of natural resources and mine clearance. Russia agreed in 2001 to help upgrade the military.

NICARAGUAN ARMED FORCES

Army
		127 main battle tanks (T-55)		12,000 personnel
Navy
		5 patrol boats		800 personnel
Air force
		No combat aircraft		1200 personnel
Nuclear capability
		None

From "The Financial Times World Desk Reference" © Dorling Kindersley 2004