Russia helps Nicaragua build plant to dispose 900 tons of artillery munitions
MANAGUA. April 22 (Interfax-AVN) - Russian Armed Forces General Staff Chief Gen. of the Army Valery Gerasimov has opened a plant to dispose munitions with the expired shelf life. The plant was built near Managua, Nicaragua, with the assistance of Russian servicemen.
"I am glad to open this plant. I am confident it will be of great use and help dispose large stocks of ammunition you obtained dozens of years ago," Gerasimov said addressing Nicaraguan Army Commander in Chief Gen. Julio Cesar Aviles Castillo.
The Russian delegation said the plant would dispose 900 tons of artillery munitions of 22 to 152 millimeter caliber. The most dangerous operation, the retrieval of detonators, will be done outside of the plant.
The plant was built in a year, and equipment was supplied in two stages. Russian specialists from the Mikhailovskaya Artillery Military Academy trained the plant personnel.
At present, Nicaragua buys industrial explosives. The plant can make industrial explosives from disposed munitions. Non-ferrous metals will be used, as well.
"As I understand the Nicaraguan army will make money in the disposal of artillery munitions," Gerasimov said.
Gen. Castillo lauded Russian machines imported by Nicaragua. He said five engineering machines from Russia repaired 270 kilometers of roads in 2012.