NATO begins its annual Steadfast Noon maneuver on Monday. But in times of the Ukraine war and threats of nuclear weapons, the exercise is becoming increasingly important.
Berlin – What was a purely routine exercise in recent years is developing into a frighteningly realistic scenario in 2022. Starting Monday, NATO is preparing for a nuclear emergency as part of the “Steadfast Noon” exercise. The military alliance itself describes the events as “a routine, recurring training measure.” During the Ukraine war, when the Russian leadership flirted with the use of nuclear weapons on an almost daily basis, the maneuver took on a special meaning.
NATO exercise for nuclear emergencies – up to 60 aircraft involved
According to Alliance information, up to 60 aircraft will be involved in 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.
Even if the current security policy situation suggests it, NATO emphasizes that the exercise is explicitly not a reaction to Russian aggression in Ukraine. “The exercise, which runs until October 30, is a routine, recurring training measure that is not related to current world events,” NATO said on Friday. Live ammunition is not used.
NATO exercise no reaction to Ukraine war – military alliance signals readiness
NATO spokeswoman Oana Lungescu said: “This exercise helps ensure the Alliance’s nuclear deterrent remains secure and efficient. “NATO does 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.
In contrast to previous exercises, however, one detail stands out: unlike in previous years, NATO proactively communicated the start of the exercise. Experts assume that the aim is to send clear signals that the alliance would be well prepared for an emergency. (dpa/fd)
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