NATO launches annual nuclear weapons drills in Europe “Steadfast Noon”

NATO began its annual tactical nuclear weapons exercise, known as Steadfast Noon, on October 14, according to a NATO press release.

This two-week-long exercise involves more than 60 aircraft from 13 countries and over 2,000 personnel, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media. 

The scale of this year's exercise slightly surpasses last year's, which involved up to 60 aircraft.

Co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands, flight operations are centered at the Kleine Brogel and Volkel airbases, with missions extending over the North Sea and surrounding nations, including Belgium, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. In total, eight airbases are taking part in the exercise.

While the NATO statement did not disclose specific countries or bases, previous reports from Key.Aero revealed that Finland is a notable participant. Just 18 months after joining NATO, the former neutral country is taking part in a nuclear exercise for the first time, reflecting its deepening integration into the alliance's defence structure.

The exercise occurs alongside significant modernization efforts at many nuclear bases across Europe. Upgrades are being made to security systems in underground vaults storing U.S. nuclear weapons, as well as improvements to nuclear command and control systems and facilities for the new F-35A nuclear-capable fighter bomber.

By Khagan Isayev