Secretary-General Mark Rutte announced that NATO’s annual nuclear exercise will begin on Monday, stating, “Our enemies will know that NATO is ready.” The exercise is expected to last two weeks, with anticipation regarding Russia’s reaction.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenski met together.

Following the meetings, Rutte announced in London that NATO’s annual nuclear exercise will commence on Monday.

Rutte stated, “In an uncertain world, it is vital to test and strengthen our defense; thus, our enemies will know that NATO is prepared and capable of responding to any threat.”

NATO officials reported that approximately 60 aircraft from 13 countries, including F-35A fighter jets and B-52 bombers, will participate in the Steadfast Noon exercise hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands. The exercise does not involve live ammunition. However, officials mentioned that approximately 2,000 military personnel participating in the exercise in the North Sea region will simulate missions involving US nuclear warheads on fighter jets. According to officials from the transatlantic military alliance’s 32 member countries, the exercise is expected to last for two weeks. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Putin has repeatedly warned the West about potential nuclear consequences. Last month, Russia declared its readiness to use nuclear weapons in response to a conventional missile strike and to consider any attack supported by a nuclear power as a joint assault.

“NO RESPONSE TO MOSCOW”

NATO officials clarified that the exercise is not a response to recent Moscow statements and has been conducted annually for over a decade. Angus Lapsley, NATO’s Deputy Secretary-General for Defense Policy and Planning, stated, “We do not make adjustments based on what is said or unsaid on any given day.” However, he emphasized the importance of exercises like Steadfast Noon in showcasing NATO’s nuclear capabilities and acting as a deterrent against any potential attack. Speaking to journalists at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Lapsley stated, “We are trying to deter all our adversaries, including Russia, through various means, including conventional deterrence. However, this is always backed by nuclear deterrence.” He added that NATO’s focus is currently on ensuring the credibility and security of its nuclear deterrent.