NATO launches nuclear-capable Steadfast Noon drills in Italy with 17 nations
NATO began its annual Steadfast Noon exercise in Italy, involving forces from 17 countries and featuring German fighter jets capable of carrying U.S. nuclear bombs.
On Tuesday, NATO kicked off its yearly Steadfast Noon exercise, a 1.5-week drill hosted by Italy and involving military units from 17 alliance members. German fighter jets will practice handling U.S. B61 nuclear bombs that are stored in Europe, illustrating the concept of nuclear sharing. NATO nuclear policy chief Nassima Barrows emphasized that the maneuvers are meant to show the alliance’s ability to defend its territory and sustain a reliable deterrent, while confirming that no actual nuclear weapons will be employed.
Colonel David Bull added that the focus is on coordinating participants to ensure safe and credible nuclear deterrence. NATO stresses the exercise is unrelated to current world events and is not directed at any particular country, though its threat analysis continues to highlight Russia. Experts note that the drills typically include procedures for moving weapons from underground depots to aircraft, using only practice bombs.
Why it matters
The drills test NATO's nuclear sharing and deterrence capabilities, affecting European security dynamics.
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