NATO has issued a statement on the Steadfast Noon nuclear exercise, which will involve more than 60 fighter aircraft capable of carrying US nuclear warheads. The flights will take place over Western Europe for two weeks.
“NATO will begin its annual Steadfast Noon nuclear exercise on Monday, October 14. More than 60 aircraft will participate in them and will carry out training flights over Western Europe. “Steadfast Noon will last two weeks and will involve fighter jets capable of carrying US nuclear warheads, but no military weapons will be used.” – stated in the statement.
NATO Secretary General Marcos Rutte stated that “Steadfast Noon is an important test of the alliance’s nuclear deterrent, and sends a clear signal to any adversary that NATO will protect and defend all allies.”
As the statement emphasizes, the upcoming exercise is a “routine and repetitive training activity that takes place every October.”
“Steadfast Noon involves 2,000 soldiers from 8 air bases and various types of aircraft, including nuclear-armed aircraft, bombers, escort fighters, tankers, and aircraft with reconnaissance and electronic warfare capabilities.” – affirms the alliance.
This year’s exercise involves flights primarily over host countries Belgium and the Netherlands, as well as airspace over Denmark, the United Kingdom and the North Sea, NATO said.
“NATO is taking steps to ensure the safety, effectiveness and reliability of the alliance’s nuclear deterrent. For example, in 2024, the Netherlands’ first F-35A fighter was declared ready for nuclear missions. NATO’s Washington Summit Declaration made clear that the primary purpose of NATO’s nuclear capabilities is to preserve peace, prevent coercion, and deter aggression. “It says that as long as nuclear weapons exist, NATO will remain a nuclear alliance.” – says the document, reports TASS.
