NATO to Conduct Annual Nuclear Drills Amidst Russia’s Heightened Nuclear Rhetoric

NATO will commence its annual nuclear exercise on October 14, Secretary General Mark Rutte announced on Thursday, amid escalating nuclear rhetoric from Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

"In an uncertain world it is vital that we test our defense and that we strengthen our defense so that our adversaries know that NATO is ready, and is able to respond to any threat," Rutte said in London.

NATO officials stated that F-35A fighter jets and B-52 bombers will be among approximately 60 aircraft from 13 nations participating in the Steadfast Noon exercise, which will be hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands.

The exercise will not involve any live weapons, but around 2,000 military personnel will participate in drills simulating missions where warplanes carry US nuclear warheads, Reuters reports citing unnamed officials.

Steadfast Noon is an annual two-week training exercise for NATO member countries, dedicated to the management of nuclear weapons. Conducted for over a decade, the exercise focuses on enhancing nuclear deterrence capabilities.

Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Putin has repeatedly warned the West of potential nuclear repercussions.

During the meeting of Russia’s Security Council on September 25, Putin announced expanded conditions to Russia's nuclear deterrence doctrine. The changes expand the scope of nuclear deterrence to cover more states and military alliances and also broaden the list of military threats that could trigger nuclear deterrence measures.

NATO’s former Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said in an interview with Reuters on September 30 that NATO members should not be discouraged from providing additional military aid to Ukraine by Vladimir Putin's "reckless Russian nuclear rhetoric."