NATO's annual Steadfast Noon nuclear deterrence exercise kicked off in the Netherlands on Monday, with the participation of 71 aircraft from 14 NATO member states.
Media reports indicate that Germany has sent several bombers, including aircraft capable of carrying nuclear munitions, to participate in the maneuvers.
Germany will represent the alliance with three Tornado bombers, equipped to carry US nuclear bombs, in addition to four Eurofighter Typhoon fighters.
Sweden and Finland have also confirmed the deployment of fighter jets to participate. The Swedish Air Force will participate with JAS-39 Gripen aircraft, while Finland will participate with F/A-18 Hornet aircraft. The United States is also scheduled to participate in the exercise. The maneuvers are scheduled to conclude on October 24.
The maneuvers will conclude on October 24.
Steadfast Noon is an annual NATO nuclear deterrence exercise that trains aircraft and personnel without using actual nuclear weapons.
In recent years, Russia has warned and announced unprecedented NATO activity along its western borders, as the alliance expands its initiatives and calls this activity “deterring Russian aggression.”
Russian authorities have repeatedly expressed concern about the growing influence of the military-political alliance in Europe. The Kremlin has emphasized that Russia poses no threat to anyone, but it will not ignore actions that may threaten its interests.
