NATO's steadfast noon exercises: Readiness amid rising tensions
The Alliance's Secretary General, Mark Rutte, announced that NATO's nuclear exercises will commence on October 14. Alliance representatives assure that this is not a response to the Kremlin's threats. Such exercises have been conducted annually for over a decade.
On October 14, NATO will begin its annual Steadfast Noon nuclear weapon exercises. Forces from 13 countries will participate in the endeavour, which will take place in the North Sea and on the territories of the United Kingdom, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
"In an uncertain world it is vital that we test our defence and that we strengthen our defence so that our adversaries know that NATO is ready, and is able to respond to any threat," said Secretary General of the Alliance, Mark Rutte, during a visit to London, where he met with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, and the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The manoeuvres will occur at a time when Russia's dictator Vladimir Putin is "heightened nuclear rhetoric," as noted by Reuters. In September, Putin declared that Moscow could use nuclear weapons if attacked by conventional missiles.
"This is not a response to the Kremlin's threats"
NATO representatives emphasize that the Steadfast Noon exercises are not a response to the Kremlin's threats, as they have been conducted annually for over a decade.
This year's two-week manoeuvres will involve about 60 aircraft, including F-35A fighters and B-52 bombers, and approximately 2,000 soldiers. The exercises will simulate combat missions using American nuclear warheads without the use of live weaponry.
