Business as usual despite rising global tensions as Nato's nuclear exercise Steadfast Noon begins
Nato's long-planned and routine annual nuclear deterrence exercise Steadfast Noon has started in the Netherlands.
The exercise is part of Nato's broader efforts to maintain readiness and ensure transparency around its nuclear posture.
The alliance stated that it is not linked to any current world events, and no live weapons are used during the exercise.
"We need to do this because it helps us make sure that our nuclear deterrent remains as credible, safe, secure, and effective as possible," Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte said on announcing the exercise.
Volkel Air Base will be the main base for the exercise, with other supporting elements at Kleine-Brogel Air Base in Belgium and RAF Lakenheath in the UK.
The exercise involves roughly 70 aircraft from 14 allied nations, including a mix of conventional and dual-capable aircraft.
The aircraft will be supported by other assets, such as surveillance, air-to-air refuelling, and command-and-control aircraft.
A significant contingent of the conventional support will be operating out of Skrydstrup Air Base in Denmark.
US Air Force Colonel Daniel Bunch, the chief of nuclear operations at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, said that organising and executing an exercise like Steadfast Noon takes a combined effort.
"All in all, we are looking at roughly 2,000 personnel directly supporting this exercise," Col Bunch said.
Jim Stokes, Nato's director of nuclear policy, said that the exercise is about "promoting transparency when and where appropriate, so that our allied populations and wider world have a good understanding of what we are doing".
The participation in Steadfast Noon rotates among allies each year.
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