2 troops, 60 aircraft: NATO has started nuclear exercises

For the next two weeks, the "Stable Noon" military exercises will take place at air bases in Belgium and the Netherlands, as well as over the waters of the North Sea, writes dw.com.

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From Monday, October 14, the annual military exercises of the North Atlantic Alliance (NATO) will continue for two weeks for the protection of the participating countries, during which they will practice the use of nuclear weapons.

According to information from the NATO headquarters in Brussels, about two thousand servicemen stationed at eight European air bases will take part in the Steadfast Noon exercise.

During the air maneuvers, more than 60 aircraft from 13 NATO countries, including Germany, will be involved, including modern fighters capable of carrying American nuclear bombs stationed in Europe, long-range bombers, as well as surveillance and refueling aircraft.

The maneuvers will take place at air bases in Belgium and the Netherlands, as well as over the waters of the North Sea — in the airspace of Great Britain and Denmark.

Training flights without real nuclear weapons

NATO did not provide any information about the scenario and details of the exercises, however, as dpa writes, according to a number of military experts, the maneuvers include practicing the safe transportation of American nuclear weapons from underground storage to aircraft and their installation under fighter jets. However, then the training flights are carried out without bombs, experts say.

NATO's program on the joint use of nuclear weapons provides that in emergency situations, this type of American weapons, located in Europe, can be used against enemy targets from the aircraft of partner countries. According to unconfirmed information, it is stored in the north of Italy, in Turkey, Belgium, the Netherlands, as well as at the Büchel base in the German federal state of Rhineland-Palatinate.

NATO: Exercise is not a reaction to Russian aggression

NATO emphasizes that "Standing Noon" is not a direct response to Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine and that combat weapons will not be used during the maneuvers. However, the exercises are intended to send the Russian Federation a clear signal that the Alliance is ready to defend itself, in particular, with the help of nuclear weapons, "if the worst happens."

"Nuclear deterrence is the basis of the security of the North Atlantic Alliance," said NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte before the start of the maneuvers. According to him, these military exercises should demonstrate to "any adversary" that the Alliance is ready to respond to any threats and will defend all its allies.

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