Newsletters
NATO will begin its annual “Steadfast Noon” nuclear deterrence exercises in Italy on Tuesday, the alliance announced Thursday, with 17 member nations set to take part amid heightened concern over Russia’s posture following its ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
The drills will run from October 13 to October 23, according to a NATO statement, which described the exercise as a routine, long-scheduled activity rather than a response to current events.
“The exercise is a long-planned, routine training activity that is part of NATO’s efforts to maintain readiness and test procedures that contribute to the alliance’s deterrence and defence,” NATO said in its statement. The alliance emphasized that no live weapons would be used during the exercise, adding, “The exercise is not linked to current world events and is not directed against any country.”
Steadfast Noon is held annually and is widely regarded as NATO’s principal exercise for testing its nuclear deterrence capabilities, typically involving both conventional and nuclear-capable aircraft from participating member states, though the alliance did not detail this year’s specific assets or locations beyond confirming Italy as the host nation.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte characterized the alliance as fundamentally defensive in nature while underscoring the strategic purpose of the drills. He said the exercise “helps us ensure a safe, secure, effective, and credible capability to preserve peace, prevent coercion and deter aggression.” Rutte added that the drills send “a clear message of unity and resolve.”
The exercise comes against the backdrop of Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, launched in 2022, and amid friction over NATO activity near Kaliningrad, Russia’s Baltic Sea exclave. Moscow has accused the alliance of staging what it called “provocative” actions in the region and has warned it stands ready to use “its entire arsenal.”
NATO condemned those remarks but said its officials have not detected significant changes in Russia’s nuclear posture, suggesting the alliance does not view the rhetoric as indicating an imminent shift in Moscow’s strategic planning.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
1 min read
1 min read
