NATO will launch its long-planned annual nuclear exercise "Steadfast Noon" on Monday (16 October 2023) with up to 60 aircraft taking part in training flights over southern Europe.
The exercise is a routine training activity that has been conducted annually for over a decade. The manoeuvres will involve 13 Allied countries and a mix of aircraft types, including advanced fighter jets and U.S. B-52 bombers that will fly in from the United States. Conventional jets and surveillance and refuelling aircraft also take part. A different NATO Ally hosts Steadfast Noon each year. Training flights will take place over Italy, Croatia and the Mediterranean Sea.
"Our exercise will help to ensure the credibility, effectiveness and security of our nuclear deterrent", said NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. "It sends a clear message that NATO will protect and defend all Allies."
The exercise involves fighter aircraft capable of carrying nuclear warheads, but does not involve any live bombs. The exercise is not linked to current world events and the bulk of the training is held at least 1,000 kilometres from Russia's borders. NATO's Strategic Concept makes clear that "the fundamental purpose of NATO's nuclear capability is to preserve peace, prevent coercion and deter aggression." It stresses that "as long as nuclear weapons exist, NATO will remain a nuclear alliance". The exercise will run until 26 October.
