NATO conducts test of nuclear deterrence capabilities

It has gained major significance since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. It is a maneuver in which various scenarios are simulated. The exercise also took place in our neighboring countries, Belgium and the Netherlands.

A clear message to Moscow

For the new NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte, the message to all potential adversaries of the alliance is clear: "NATO will protect and defend all Allies."

Nuclear deterrence is a pillar of the alliance's security and a means to maintain peace. The goal of "Steadfast Noon," is to demonstrate credibility and effectiveness.

"We monitor Russia's rhetoric regarding nuclear weapons. We keep a constant eye on their capabilities. There certainly have been no nuclear weapons used in Ukraine. However, concerns arise from the constant threat posed by Russia," said American Colonel Daniel Bunch, who leads NATO's nuclear operations on the European continent.

Around 2,000 soldiers have been mobilized to eight military airports

During the exercise, around 60 aircraft from 13 nations participated, including fighter jets capable of deploying American weapons with nuclear warheads. According to the Federation of American Scientists (FAS), approximately 100 of these weapons are still stored in Europe. Three of the five bases where such weapons are stored are located within a 200-kilometer radius of Luxembourg.

Like every year, the handling of the weapons was trained on the ground. Various scenarios were simulated in the air, although NATO did not disclose any details.

An exercise that is causing critical reactions in Moscow

In the context of the war in Ukraine, Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov commented that exercises like 'Steadfast Noon' would only lead to further tensions.

Peskov seems to forget that Russia itself conducts maneuvers with nuclear weapons and has even put these weapons on high alert as part of their war in Ukraine. No actual weapons were used during "Steadfast Noon".

Watch the report in Luxembourgish: