NATO has commenced its annual nuclear exercise, Steadfast Noon, in the Netherlands, involving around 70 aircraft from 14 member states. The two-week drill, which started on Monday, aims to ensure the effectiveness of NATO’s nuclear deterrent. According to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, the exercise is necessary to send a “clear signal to any potential adversary.”
The exercise is being hosted by the Netherlands, with Volkel Air Base serving as the main operating site, and supporting elements stationed at bases in Belgium, the UK, and Denmark. Approximately 2,000 personnel are participating, supported by surveillance, air-to-air refueling, and command-and-control aircraft. NATO has emphasized that no nuclear weapons will be used during the exercise.
The Steadfast Noon exercise comes amid heightened tensions between NATO and Russia, with Moscow accusing the bloc of fueling anti-Russian hysteria. Russian officials have condemned past Steadfast Noon exercises, stating that they “lead to nothing but ratcheting up tensions” already high due to the Ukraine conflict. Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov has described the region’s stance towards Russia as an “anti-Russian frenzy,” with Western European nations speaking in an “extremely belligerent, extremely negative” voice against Moscow.
Earlier this month, President Vladimir Putin stated that Western Europe has been “whipping up hysteria” about an alleged threat of war with Russia, calling such concerns a “nonsense mantra.” Putin has also advocated for extending nuclear arms controls, calling on the US to agree to prolong the 2010 New START treaty for another year and refrain from taking steps that could break the current balance.
The annual Steadfast Noon exercise is a significant event, as it demonstrates NATO’s commitment to maintaining its nuclear deterrent capabilities. The exercise also highlights the ongoing tensions between NATO and Russia, with both sides accusing each other of escalating tensions. As the exercise continues, it remains to be seen how Russia will respond, and what implications this may have for the already strained relations between the two parties.