"In an uncertain world it is vital that we test and strengthen our defense capabilities so that our adversaries know that NATO is ready to respond to any threat," NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said in London before of the start of the nuclear maneuvers of the allied military aviation.
The alliance will not use actual nuclear weapons, but will practice different scenarios for a nuclear war. Finnish F/A-18s will participate for the first time. Of course, the F-35s will also be present.
In addition to fighter jets, the Americans will also deploy the legendary B-52 Stratofortress bombers during the maneuvers.
The large-scale exercise in northern Europe starts today and will last for two weeks.
The exercise takes place in the context in which most of the allied European states have opted for the F-35 Lightning II. Germany did it too. But for nuclear reasons.
Germany's decision to purchase the F-35 was made against the background of the fact that only the F-35 would be certified to carry B61 nuclear bombs integrated on the aging German Tornadoes that are due to be retired.
Germany has purchased 35 F-35s, and is considering ordering 8 more American 5th generation jets .
Russia is expected to make heavy use of the allied show of force and fuel domestically the scenario that NATO is preparing for a high-intensity war against Russia. The nuclear exercise is aimed at deterrence and takes place as Russia has dangerously lowered the threshold by which it can use nuclear weapons by changing its doctrine.
About the NATO exercise "Steadfast Noon", in which F-35 and B-52 bombers will make a show of force in Europe. Allies will not use actual nuclear weapons
NATO's "Steadfast Noon" 2024 exercise is an annual nuclear exercise that began on October 14, 2024 and runs for two weeks. About 60 aircraft, including fighter jets capable of carrying US nuclear weapons, take part in these training flights, which take place over Western Europe, particularly Belgium and the Netherlands, and in the airspace of Denmark, Great Britain and the North Sea .
The 2024 exercise involves, among other things, the first F-35A aircraft from the Netherlands, recently declared ready for nuclear missions. The purpose of the exercise is to test and demonstrate NATO's ability to deter any potential adversary and defend all allies.
A total of 13 NATO member countries have sent aircraft for this training, and the exercise also includes bombers, fighter jets, refueling and reconnaissance aircraft.
This exercise does not use actual nuclear weapons, but simulates complex scenarios to ensure that NATO remains a nuclear-capable alliance under its nuclear deterrence doctrine.
NATO's 2024 "Steadfast Noon" exercise is one of the alliance's most important annual exercises focused on simulating nuclear operations. In this context, its main purpose is to test and train NATO allies in the use of nuclear weapons in a coordinated and safe manner, without involving actual nuclear weapons.
The participation of a large number of aircraft, including modern F-35As, reflects NATO's commitment to ensuring a high level of nuclear deterrence.
In the exercise, NATO simulates various scenarios involving nuclear deterrence, including rapid reaction operations to potential nuclear or conventional threats. The fact that the exercise involves several member countries and aircraft types helps ensure the interoperability of the alliance's air forces and test their effectiveness in crisis situations. The Steadfast Noon exercise is conducted regularly and is a key element of NATO's nuclear deterrence strategy.
