Overview

• The two-week exercise, led by the Netherlands, will involve 71 aircraft from 14 NATO countries.
• Training will take place largely over the North Sea and use bases in Belgium, Britain, Denmark and the Netherlands.
• Bomber and fighter jets capable of carrying nuclear weapons will participate, with no nuclear weapons or live munitions used.
• The United States will provide F-35s, refueling aircraft and other support, while Finland and Poland send fighter jets as electronic warfare and reconnaissance assets are employed.
• NATO is prioritizing the physical security of nuclear weapons on the ground after recent drone incursions near European military facilities, with officials reporting no change in Russia’s nuclear posture.