NATO Launches Annual Nuclear Exercise Amid Rising Tensions

The Steadfast Noon drill, involving 60 aircraft from 13 nations, aims to reinforce NATO's readiness against potential threats.

New NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte emphasizes the importance of demonstrating the alliance's defense capabilities in an uncertain world.
The exercise, not a response to Russia's actions in Ukraine, is designed to test NATO's nuclear deterrence strategies without using live munitions.
Steadfast Noon will take place primarily in the UK, Belgium, and the Netherlands, focusing on simulating missions with U.S. nuclear warheads.
Approximately 2,000 personnel will participate, with operations occurring over eight military bases and the North Sea area.
Despite heightened nuclear rhetoric from Russia, NATO officials stress the drill's routine nature and long-standing schedule.