Information
NATO will conduct its annual nuclear exercise, Steadfast Noon, over a two-week period led by the Netherlands, involving 71 aircraft from 14 member countries. The exercise, which begins Monday, focuses heavily on protecting nuclear weapons before use and ensuring the alliance’s nuclear deterrent remains credible, safe, and effective. Taking place primarily over the North Sea and involving bases in Belgium, Britain, Denmark, and the Netherlands, the drill includes bomber and fighter jets capable of carrying nuclear warheads, though no live nuclear weapons will be used. The United States and United Kingdom play central roles, with contributions such as F-35s, refuelling planes, and support aircraft, while Finland and Poland are also sending fighter jets.
A key focus of Steadfast Noon is defending nuclear assets against emerging threats, including drone incursions near European military sites. NATO officials stressed the exercise is not directed at any specific country, despite tensions with Russia, and is unrelated to current global events. According to Colonel Daniel Bunch, the exercise will test security measures against a range of potential threats to nuclear facilities. NATO leaders reaffirmed that nuclear deterrence remains central to the alliance’s defence strategy, emphasising that as long as nuclear weapons exist, NATO will remain a nuclear alliance. Officials also noted that while Russia’s rhetoric remains aggressive, no change has been detected in its nuclear posture, though NATO continues to closely monitor its military activities.
Source: Euronews, Reuters, Independent
So What
It is unlikely that this exercise will change the situation much for Russia, and it is unlikely to provide them with any new information regarding NATO’s nuclear posture. Regardless, it is almost certain that Russia, and also other hostile foreign states, will be watching the exercise intently to gain any possible intelligence available.
Follow us to join the intelligence community!