NATO kicks off annual nuclear exercise
(MENAFN) NATO began its yearly nuclear training exercise in the Netherlands on Monday, an event described by the bloc’s secretary general, Mark Rutte, as essential to send a “clear signal to any potential adversary.”
The two-week exercise, known as Steadfast Noon, comes at a time when Moscow has accused Western European countries of fueling anti-Russian sentiment and claimed that NATO is turning the continent into a military stronghold in preparation for a possible confrontation.
Rutte had announced on Friday that these drills are intended to ensure NATO’s nuclear deterrence remains “as effective as possible.”
This year’s operation is hosted by the Netherlands, with Volkel Air Base serving as the primary hub. Additional activities will take place at bases in Belgium, Denmark, and the United Kingdom.
Reports indicate that around 70 aircraft from 14 NATO members are participating, including both conventional and dual-capable planes. Roughly 2,000 personnel are involved, supported by refueling, surveillance, and command aircraft. NATO has emphasized that no actual nuclear weapons will be used during the maneuvers.
While Moscow has not officially responded to the ongoing drills, Russian authorities have previously denounced Steadfast Noon exercises, claiming they “lead to nothing but ratcheting up tensions” amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Russian officials have also accused European nations of joining what Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov described as an “anti-Russian frenzy.” Ushakov said the region continues to speak in an “extremely belligerent, extremely negative” tone toward Moscow while spreading “brazen lies” about it.
Earlier this month, President Vladimir Putin argued that Western Europe is “whipping up hysteria” over a supposed threat of war with Russia, dismissing such fears as a “nonsense mantra” and urging European leaders to turn their attention to domestic issues.
Putin has additionally voiced support for extending existing nuclear arms control measures, calling on the United States to prolong the 2010 New START treaty for another year and avoid steps that could disrupt the strategic balance.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the
information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept
any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images,
videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information
contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright
issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
