According to NATO, around 2,000 military personnel will participate in the Steadfast Noon exercises, operating from eight air bases across Europe.
Over the next two weeks, training will be conducted at air bases in Belgium and the Netherlands, as well as over the North Sea, in the airspace of the United Kingdom and Denmark.
The exercises will involve more than 60 aircraft from 13 NATO countries, including modern fighter jets capable of carrying U.S. nuclear bombs stored in Europe, long-range bombers, surveillance planes, and refueling aircraft.
βNuclear deterrence is the cornerstone of Allied security,β NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said. βSteadfast 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.β
NATOβs nuclear exercise is a routine and recurring training activity that happens every October. Steadfast Noon involves 2,000 military personnel from eight airbases and a variety of aircraft types, including nuclear-capable jets, bombers, fighter escorts, refuelling aircraft and planes capable of reconnaissance and electronic warfare. This yearβs exercise involves flights mainly over host countries Belgium and the Netherlands and in airspace over Denmark, the United Kingdom and the North Sea. Planning for the exercise began a year ago and thirteen Allies will send aircraft to take part in the drills.
