NATO Launches Nuclear Exercise as Russia Issues Warnings
Amid escalating tensions with Moscow, NATO commenced its annual nuclear exercise, Steadfast Noon, on October 13th. The drills, hosted primarily by the netherlands, aim to enhance the alliance’s nuclear deterrence readiness and maintain transparency regarding its nuclear posture.
NATO officials emphasized the routine nature of the exercise, stating it is “not linked to any current world events.” Approximately 70 aircraft from 14 allied nations,along with 2,000 personnel,are participating,primarily operating from Volkel Air Base in the Netherlands and a support contingent from Skrydstrup Air Base in Denmark. Aircraft involved include Dutch F-35 fighter jets, alongside allied surveillance, air-to-air refueling, and command-and-control aircraft. No live weapons will be used during the exercise.
“The Steadfast Noon drills are about promoting transparency when and where appropriate, so that our allied populations and the wider world have a good understanding of what we are doing,” explained Jim Stokes, NATO’s Director of Nuclear Policy, in a recent statement.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte added that the exercise “sends a clear signal to any potential adversary that we will and can protect and defend all allies against all threats.”
The drills are occurring against a backdrop of increased friction between NATO and Russia, marked by repeated intrusions of Russian aircraft and drones into allied airspace. Together, Moscow has voiced concerns over potential U.S. support for Ukraine, specifically regarding the possible delivery of Tomahawk cruise missiles.Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov warned that such missiles, perhaps capable of carrying nuclear warheads, could necessitate a Russian response, stating, “what should the Russian Federation think? Just how should Russia react? Military experts overseas should understand this.”
Russia has repeatedly issued nuclear threats throughout its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed these threats in a recent interview with Fox News on October 12th, stating that initiating a nuclear World War III would require one to be ”crazy.”
These exercises follow a recent drone strike on Russia’s largest oil terminal in occupied Crimea, reportedly occurring around midnight on October 12th, marking the second attack on the facility in a week, according to the crimean Wind Telegram channel. Sources confirm at least five tanks were hit in the strike.
