NATO begins today a nuclear drill: We are ready to defend

Today, NATO begins its annual nuclear exercise, in which about 2,000 military personnel will participate from eight air bases over the next two weeks, with the emphasis that it is not an answer to Ukraine's Russian occupation, but with a clear signal to Moscow, that NATO is ready to defend itself.

In practice “Steadfast Noon”, 60 aircraft will participate in training flights over Western Europe. These include fighter planes capable of carrying American nuclear bombs deployed in Europe and long-range bombers, as well as surveillance planes and fuel supplies.

“None of the exercises will include war weapons”, NATO said.

This year's exercise will be held at air bases in Belgium and the Netherlands, as well as in airspace over Britain, Denmark and the North Sea. The participating planes come from a total of 13 alliance nations.

NATO emphasises that the steadfast average is a <x0 routine and repeated” and not a response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. However, it is intended to send a clear signal to Moscow that NATO is willing to defend with nuclear weapons if necessary.

“Nuclear Prevention is a cornerstone of Allied security,” said Secretary General NATO Mark Rutte.

And the steadfast afternoon, he added, is an important test of the Alliance's nuclear prevention and sends a clear message to any opponent that NATO will protect and protect all allies.