The NATO begins its annual Steadfast Noon defense exercise involving nuclear weapons on Monday. Around 2000 military personnel from the headquarters in Mons will participate. The maneuver sends a clear signal to Russia that NATO is ready to defend with nuclear means if necessary.
The NATO launched its annual defense exercise 'Steadfast Noon' on Monday, set to last two weeks. Around 2000 military personnel from the military headquarters in Mons, Belgium, are participating. The focus is on air maneuvers with more than 70 aircraft, including German fighter jets capable of carrying US nuclear bombs.
The main location is the airspace over the North Sea. Key bases include the Dutch airbase Volkel, the Belgian site Kleine-Brogel, Britain's Lakenheath, and Denmark's Skrydstrup. The German Bundeswehr provides three Tornados equipped for dropping US nuclear bombs and four Eurofighters.
The NATO emphasizes that this is a routine exercise, not a response to recent Russian airspace violations. Nevertheless, it aims to signal to Moscow that the alliance is prepared to defend nuclearly in an emergency. Secretary General Mark Rutte stated on Friday: 'The exercise is necessary to ensure that nuclear deterrence remains as credible and effective as possible.'
Under NATO's nuclear sharing, US B61 nuclear weapons stationed in Europe can be deployed by partner states' aircraft. Unofficial reports mention storage sites in northern Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Büchel in Rhineland-Palatinate. Scenario details remain secret; only dummy bombs without warheads are used to simulate transport and mounting.
Regarding the current drone threat, Chief Planner Daniel Bunch remained calm: 'Drones are not a new threat for us. We know this issue well.' The NATO would always stay one step ahead.