NATO launches Steadfast Noon nuclear drills
Photo: F-35 fighter jet (Getty Images)
On October 13, NATO will begin its annual Steadfast Noon exercises with the aim of strengthening the alliance's readiness for nuclear deterrence. The Netherlands is the main organizing country, according to NATO's press service.
The Alliance stated that the routine exercises are not related to any current global events and are intended to maintain readiness and ensure transparency regarding NATO's nuclear capabilities.
Approximately 70 aircraft from 14 allied countries and 2,000 personnel will take part in the exercises, which will be based at the Volkel Air Base in the Netherlands.
Among the combat aircraft involved will be Dutch F-35 fighters, as well as reconnaissance, air refueling, and allied command and control aircraft.
No combat weapons will be used during the exercises.
As NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte noted, these measures also send a clear signal to any potential adversary that NATO is ready to defend its allies.
"It is important to say that this exercise takes place yearly. This is yearly training, and it is regular. And we need to do this because it helps us to make sure that our nuclear deterrent remains as credible, and as safe, and as secure, and as effective as possible. It also sends a clear signal to any potential adversary that we will and can protect and defend all Allies against all threats," Rutte said.
Rising tensions
Tensions have risen in recent days after Moscow warned the US not to supply Ukraine with Tomahawk cruise missiles, an idea publicly voiced by US President Donald Trump.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that these missiles could potentially carry nuclear warheads.
Russia has repeatedly made explicit or veiled nuclear threats against Kyiv and its Western allies during its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Moscow's saber-rattling in an interview with Fox News on October 12, saying that only a madman would start a third world nuclear war.
