On October 13, NATO's traditional annual nuclear weapons control exercises officially began under the name Steadfast Noon. This was reported by Zamin.uz.
This year's exercises are being held in the North Sea region and are planned to last for two weeks. Approximately 2,000 military personnel and 71 aircraft from 14 NATO member countries are participating in the event.
Among them are modern fighter and bomber aircraft designed to work with nuclear weapons. The United States is participating in these exercises with four dual-role F-35 fighter jets.
Germany has sent three Tornado fighter-bombers and four Eurofighter Typhoon multirole aircraft. According to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, these exercises are held annually and play an important role in ensuring the safety, reliability, and effectiveness of nuclear deterrence capabilities.
Additionally, their goal is to demonstrate NATO's capability to defend all its allies. Experts believe that these exercises are organized to send a clear political and military signal to Russia.
This indicates NATO's readiness to defend itself with nuclear weapons if necessary. The main airbase for the exercises is the Volkel airbase in the Netherlands, with auxiliary bases located at Lakenheath in the United Kingdom, Kleine-Brogel in Belgium, and Skrydstrup in Denmark.
Details of the exercises are kept secret, but military analysts suggest they include the safe delivery of nuclear weapons from underground storage to aircraft, the installation and control of warheads on fighter jets. The exercises use dummy bombs, not real nuclear warheads.
These maneuvers are not only military drills for NATO but also a sign of strategic alertness, demonstrating the alliance's united stance against nuclear threats.
