NATO to Start Annual Nuclear Drill Amid Russia Tensions
NATO will begin its annual nuclear deterrence exercise, "Steadfast Noon," on Monday. The two-week drill involves around 70 aircraft and 2,000 personnel from 13 member countries. Alliance chief Mark Rutte stated the exercise is a "regular" and planned activity, not a direct response to recent Russian air incursions into NATO airspace. He emphasized that the drill, which does not involve live warheads, is crucial for ensuring the "credible, safe, and effective" nature of NATO's nuclear deterrent. The operations will be conducted from airbases in the Netherlands, Belgium, Britain, and Denmark. The exercise occurs against a backdrop of heightened nuclear rhetoric from Russia since its invasion of Ukraine, though NATO officials say they have not observed any change in Russia's actual nuclear posture.