Overview

• The German Air Force has listed three B61-capable Tornados and four Eurofighters for Steadfast Noon under the alliance’s nuclear-sharing arrangements.
• Roughly 2,000 personnel from 14 allied nations and more than 70 aircraft, including U.S. F-35s plus tanker and surveillance planes, are slated to take part, according to planner Daniel Bunch.
• Volkel in the Netherlands will serve as the main hub, with additional activity at Kleine-Brogel in Belgium, Lakenheath in the U.K., and Skrydstrup in Denmark, with flight training planned largely over the North Sea.
• Secretary General Mark Rutte said the exercise is routine and not a reaction to recent Russian airspace incidents, while also underscoring its deterrence role.
• NATO nuclear policy official Jim Stokes rejected claims the drills are provocative and warned about misinformation surrounding their purpose and safety.