Unity and resolve: Nato's nuclear exercise Steadfast Noon begins in Italy

Nato has started its annual nuclear deterrence exercise, Steadfast Noon, a long-planned and routine training activity. 

The exercise is part of the alliance's efforts to maintain readiness and test procedures that contribute to the 32-member alliance's deterrence and defence. 

"This exercise helps us ensure a safe, secure, effective, and credible capability to preserve peace, prevent coercion and deter aggression," Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte said. 

• Block, blunt, break: What we'll do to the enemy if it comes to war, says Nato commander
• Building national resilience key to withstanding crises and adversary threats, says CDS
• Polish city reopens and renovates Cold War shelter as Russian attacks in Ukraine intensify

"It also sends a clear message of unity and resolve."

Ex Steadfast Noon, which will involve 17 nations, is taking place in Italy, and the overall scale is in line with previous versions of the exercise.

Nato said that no live weapons will be fired during the exercise. 

The alliance also confirmed that the exercise is not linked to current world events and is not directed against any country.