NATO begins large-scale nuclear exercises in Northern Europe.
NATO began large-scale nuclear exercises in Northern Europe on October 14.
According to RIA Novosti on October 14, NATO's large-scale nuclear exercise, codename Steadfast Noon, involving 2,000 soldiers from 13 alliance countries and up to 60 military aircraft, began on October 14 in Northern Europe.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the exercises would take place primarily in the UK, in the North Sea, as well as in Belgium and the Netherlands. According to Rutte, the drills would demonstrate to “any enemy” that NATO is ready to respond to any threat.
According to the alliance's statement, the exercises had been planned and prepared for over a year and there were no plans to use military weapons in them.
The exercise will last two weeks. Eight air bases will participate. Notably, various types of aircraft capable of carrying nuclear weapons, bombers, fighter escorts and refueling aircraft, reconnaissance aircraft, and electronic warfare aircraft will be involved.
NATO's press office reiterated that the alliance is continuously taking steps "to ensure the reliability and effectiveness of its nuclear deterrence capabilities." In particular, in 2024, the new Dutch F35-A fighter jet was declared suitable for use in nuclear deterrence missions.
Despite NATO calling its exercises planned, anti-war organizations have criticized holding them amidst international tensions.
In other news, former NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said in an interview with the German newspaper Spiegel that seeking to improve relations with Russia after the end of the Cold War was the right approach.
“I still believe this is the right strategy. Even after the annexation of Crimea and the outbreak of conflict in Donbass, we continued to meet at the NATO-Russia Council,” Stoltenberg said, while calling on the West to “prevent any misunderstandings arising from Moscow’s side.”