TRIBUNNEWS.COM – NATO will begin its annual nuclear deterrence exercise, Steadfast Noon, on Monday (13/10/2025), as reported Defense News.
This year, the number of participating aircraft will be one of the largest in recent years.
This edition of the exercise will be centered in the North Sea region, North West Europe.
The planes will operate from Volkel Air Base in the Netherlands as the main hub, NATO officials said in a press conference ahead of the exercise.
The United States will participate with four F-35 jets serving as dual-capable aircraft for the first time, a role previously played by the F-15E Strike Eagle.
This exercise was carried out amidst increasing global nuclear tensions.
In February, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin warned of a high risk of direct military confrontation between nuclear powers.
Countries such as France and Russia also continue to modernize their nuclear warheads and delivery systems.
NATO officials stressed that Steadfast Noon is a routine exercise that has been held every October for the past few years.
“This exercise is routine and does not target any particular country, nor is it related to any real event,” NATO Director of Nuclear Policy Jim Stokes said at the press conference.
“This is an important annual exercise because it helps ensure that our nuclear deterrent remains credible, safe and effective,” said NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in a video address on Friday (10/10/2025).
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“This exercise also sends a clear signal to any potential enemy that we are capable and ready to protect all allies from various threats,” he continued.
NATO increased public communications regarding Steadfast Noon this year.
According to Stokes, the aim is not merely to signal Russia or certain parties, but to increase public understanding.
“We want to make sure the public understands that we are a responsible nuclear alliance,” he added.
