NATO chief outlines goal of NATO's nuclear exercises
Photo: NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte (Getty Images)
This week, NATO began nuclear exercises aimed at maintaining peace, preventing escalation, and deterring aggression, particularly from Russia, according to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte during a press conference in Brussels.
Rutte reminded that on Monday, October 14, NATO countries began their annual nuclear exercises, involving more than 60 military aircraft.
"These are routine recurrent exercises far from Russia's borders that do not involve live weapons. The fundamental purpose of NATO's nuclear capability is to preserve peace, prevent coercion, and deter aggression," the NATO Secretary General emphasized.
NATO nuclear exercises
On October 14, the North Atlantic Alliance began the Steadfast Noon exercises. NATO’s nuclear deterrence exercises are conducted annually.
The Steadfast Noon exercises involve 2,000 military personnel from eight airbases and various types of aircraft, including nuclear-capable jets, bombers, escort fighters, refueling planes, and aircraft capable of conducting reconnaissance and electronic warfare.
This year, the exercises include flights primarily over the host countries, Belgium and the Netherlands, as well as in the airspace over Denmark, the United Kingdom, and the North Sea. The planning for the exercises began a year ago, and 13 allies are sending aircraft to participate in the exercises.
