Amid Russian Rhetoric, NATO Chief Stresses Readiness as Major Nuclear Deterrence Drill Concludes
VOLKEL AIR BASE, Netherlands: NATO’s major annual nuclear deterrence exercise, “Steadfast Noon,” is winding down in the Netherlands following a week-long drill that focused significantly on the security and protection of the alliance’s nuclear weapons before their potential use.
The long-planned exercise, which began on October 13, involved 71 aircraft and participation from 14 NATO countries. The bulk of the maneuvers were held over the North Sea, far from both Russia and Ukraine, but involved military bases across Belgium, Britain, Denmark, and the Netherlands.
The drill took place amid heightened security concerns across Europe, spurred by a series of airspace violations by drones, some of which have been publicly blamed on Russia.
Colonel Daniel Bunch, Chief of NATO Nuclear Operations, emphasized the importance of discussing the exercise publicly given the current geopolitical climate.
“We’ve long not talked about this but it’s certainly time that we talk to our publics about it,” Colonel Bunch said. He added that the exercise serves to counter continued rhetoric from Russia. “This isn’t sabre-rattling this is about demonstrating that we can do this on any given day,” he asserted, highlighting the alliance’s constant state of readiness.
“Steadfast Noon” is a routine annual exercise designed to ensure that the alliance’s nuclear arsenal remains safe, secure, and effective.