NATO begins today its annual nuclear exercise, which will involve around 2,000 servicemen from eight air forces over the next two weeks bases, DPA reported, BTA reported.
The Steadfast Noon exercise will involve 60 aircraft taking part in training flights over Western Europe. These include fighter jets capable of transporting US nuclear bombs deployed in Europe and long-range bombers, as well as surveillance and refueling aircraft.
No combat weapons will be used in the exercises, NATO said. This year's exercises will take place at air bases in Belgium and the Netherlands, as well as in the airspace over Great Britain, Denmark and the North Sea.
Aircraft from a total of 13 alliance countries are participating. NATO stressed that the exercise was a "routine and repetitive training activity" and not a response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. However, the organization aims to send a clear signal to Moscow that NATO is ready to defend itself with nuclear weapons if necessary.
"Nuclear deterrence is the cornerstone of allied security,” said NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. "Steadfast Noon is an important test of the Alliance's nuclear deterrent and sends a clear message to any adversary that NATO will protect and defend all allies.“