NATO begins major nuclear exercise in northern Europe
NATO begins large-scale nuclear exercise on October 14 in Northern Europe.
According to RIA Novosti on October 14, NATO's large-scale nuclear exercise called Steadfast Noon, with the participation of 2,000 soldiers from 13 allied 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 mainly in the UK, in the North Sea, as well as in Belgium and the Netherlands. He said the exercises would demonstrate to “any adversary” that NATO was ready to respond to any threat.
According to the alliance's statement, the exercises have been planned and prepared for more than a year and there are no plans to use military weapons during them.
The exercise will last for two weeks. Eight air bases will participate in the exercise. In particular, many types of aircraft capable of carrying nuclear weapons, bombers, escort fighters and refueling aircraft, reconnaissance and electronic warfare aircraft will participate in the exercise.
The NATO press service reiterates that the alliance is constantly taking steps “to ensure the reliability and effectiveness of its nuclear deterrent.” 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 groups have criticized the holding of these exercises amid international tensions.
In another development, 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 is the right approach.
“I still believe that this is the right strategy. Even after the annexation of Crimea and the start of the conflict in Donbass, we continued to meet at the NATO-Russia Council,” Stoltenberg said, calling on the West to “prevent any misunderstandings from Moscow.”