Exercise “Steadfast Noon”: NATO begins nuclear weapons maneuvers

Status: 10/17/2022 06:43 a.m

NATO begins its annual maneuvers to defend Alliance territory in Europe with nuclear weapons. The exercise will primarily be in the airspace over Belgium, Great Britain and the North Sea. The Bundeswehr is also involved.

NATO describes the start of its annual training for the horror scenario of a nuclear war as a “routine, recurring training measure”. Today begins the maneuver to defend the European alliance area with nuclear weapons.

According to the alliance, up to 60 aircraft will be involved in the “Steadfast Noon” exercise over the next two weeks – including modern fighter jets, but also surveillance and tanker aircraft and long-range B-52 bombers. The scene should be the airspace over Belgium, Great Britain and the North Sea. The Bundeswehr is also involved.

NATO: No edged weapons in use

NATO emphasizes that “Steadfast Noon” is not a reaction to the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine and that no real weapons are being used. The exercise was not related to current world events, the alliance announced in advance. NATO spokeswoman Oana Lungescu said, “This exercise helps ensure the Alliance’s nuclear deterrent remains secure and efficient.”

NATO did not provide any information on the exercise scenario or details. According to military experts, during the maneuvers that take place regularly in October, among other things, they practice how to safely transport US nuclear weapons from underground magazines to the aircraft and mount them under the fighter jets. However, the practice flights are then flown without the bombs.

Prepare for horror scenario

Unlike previous “Steadfast Noon” exercises, this year’s NATO provides information about the start. In alliance circles, this is justified by the fact that it should be shown more than usual that NATO is well prepared for a horror scenario such as a nuclear war.

source site