NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced that the Alliance will soon begin military exercises involving the use of nuclear weapons. The media points out that these maneuvers will take place shortly after Russia escalated its nuclear doctrine.
NATO Exercises: On Monday (October 14), the annual Steadfast Noon nuclear weapons exercise will commence, as stated by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. He also mentioned that forces from 13 NATO countries will participate. The exercises will focus on territories in the North Sea, the United Kingdom, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
Readiness to Respond: “In this uncertain world, it is crucial that we test and strengthen our defenses so that our adversaries know NATO is ready and able to respond to any threat,” Rutte emphasized. NATO officials pointed out that the exercises, which have been conducted regularly for the past 10 years, are not a direct response to Russia’s declarations. However, Reuters journalists have noted that the Kremlin has recently heightened its nuclear rhetoric.
Moscow Tightens Its Nuclear Doctrine: Just two weeks earlier, President Vladimir Putin declared that Russia could respond with nuclear weapons even if attacked with conventional missiles. He further stated that any attack carried out with the support of a nuclear power would be considered a joint attack. These statements came amid debates regarding allowing Ukraine to use Western equipment for strikes on targets within Russian territory.
Two Thousand Troops: The Steadfast Noon exercises will involve approximately two thousand military personnel and 60 aircraft, including F-35A fighters and B-52 bombers. The exercise scenario will include simulations of operations involving fighter jets carrying nuclear warheads.
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