Nuclear training flights will take place over Belgium, the North Sea and the United Kingdom. No live weapons will be used.

Exercise “Steadfast Noon” involves 14 countries and up to 60 aircraft of various types, including fourth and fifth generation fighter jets, as well as surveillance and tanker aircraft.

The exercise is set to finish on October 30.

As in previous years, US B-52 long-range bombers will take part; this year, they will fly from Minot Air Base in North Dakota, say NATO.

“Training flights will take place over Belgium, which is hosting the exercise, as well as over the North Sea and the United Kingdom. No live weapons are used.”

Steadfast Noon is hosted by a different NATO Ally each year.

“This exercise helps ensure that the Alliance’s nuclear deterrent remains safe, secure and effective,” said NATO Spokesperson Oana Lungescu.

NATO’s new Strategic Concept, adopted by Allied leaders at the Madrid Summit in June 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. NATO’s goal is a safer world for all; we seek to create the security environment for a world without nuclear weapons.”

Key Points

• The exercise was planned before the Russia launched an invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
• The exercise involves the participation of fighter jets capable of carrying nuclear warheads but they will not be armed with nuclear warheads.
• 14 of the 30 NATO members will participate in this exercise.
• Conventionally armed jets, surveillance and refuelling aircraft will also take part in this exercise.

Source: ukdefencejournal.org.uk