NATO to begin annual nuclear deterrence exercise
NATO is due to begin its annual nuclear deterrence exercise next week, an operation supported by its member countries.
The drill, known as "Steadfast Noon," will be hosted by the Netherlands and is scheduled to start on Monday. It will involve 71 aircraft from 14 nations.
The alliance's chief, Mark Rutte, said the exercise's focus would be on "safeguarding the weapons before they are ever used."
Mr Rutte said the deployment "sends a clear signal to any potential adversary that we will protect and defend all allies against all threats."
The bases involved include Volkel Air Base in the Netherlands, Kleine Brogel in Belgium, RAF Lakenheath in the UK, and Skrydstrup in Denmark.
"We have to do this because it helps ensure our nuclear deterrence force remains as credible, safe, and effective as possible," Mr Rutte stated.
The exercise will simulate scenarios in which nuclear weapons might be used, though no live weapons are involved.
Jim Stokes, NATO's Director of Nuclear Policy, told reporters in Brussels that Steadfast Noon is a routine exercise and "is not aimed at any country." He added that it "has no link to real-world events."
The move comes as Kremlin officials have repeatedly resorted to nuclear rhetoric since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Analysts view the rhetoric as an attempt to deter Western backing for Kyiv.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
