Operation ‘Steadfast Noon’ will see the deployment of US B-52 bombers in Europe, with no plans to use live weapons.
NATO exercises that seek to improve the alliance’s deterrence capabilities, involving strategic jets that can carry nuclear weapons, will start on Monday, amid heightened tensions with Russia over the Ukraine conflict.
The ‘Steadfast Noon’ drills will last until October 30 and take place over Belgium, the North Sea, and the UK. NATO has described the exercises as “routine” and “not linked to any current world events,” while insisting that no live weapons will be used.
In total, 14 countries and 60 aircraft of various types will take part in Steadfast Noon. The planes include state-of-the-art fighter jets, surveillance and tanker planes, as well as US B-52 nuclear-capable strategic bombers, which will arrive in Europe from Minot Air Base in North Dakota.
“This exercise helps ensure that the alliance’s nuclear deterrent remains safe, secure and effective,” NATO spokesperson Oana Lungescu noted.
On Thursday, the Belgian Coalition Against Nuclear Weapons organization urged the military bloc to cancel the drills, stressing that “amidst high nuclear tensions with Russia, it is irresponsible” to engage in these activities.
On Thursday, commenting on the drills, National Security Council coordinator John Kirby said that Steadfast Noon had been planned well before Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine started in late February. He added that the exercises will take place more than 600 miles (1,000 km) from Russia’s borders.
Kirby went on to say that the US expects Russia to conduct its own annual strategic nuclear exercise in the near future. “We anticipate the [Russians’] exercise will span several days,” he stated, adding that Washington believes it will include actions “within the normal bounds,” such as deployment of strategic assets. However, Moscow has yet to announce any drills of this type.
Image credit: Airman 1st Class Victor J. Caputo – US Air Force, Public Domain
Operation “Steadfast Noon”….. Come on yanks surely you can think up a better name…. like high noon. You drones live in an idiots world full of your own lies.
I think the EU, the USA and UK need alot of practice. Alot.
Operation Psychotic Miorons……dirty, war mongering old Yank govt and its pathetic, EU stooges……
The American suicidal manics think that they can win a limited nuclear war or a first strike war. Russian doctorine is simple. If they are attacked, everything is out and there is no such thing as “limited” nuclear war. Even if many cities in russia are nuked, the auotmated system, which relies on hundres of sensors of any nuclear attack, will launch a full scale attack on the West wasting no time and this cannot be stopped. Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD) is fully implemented and the media is supposed inform this to us but they dont.
Scott Ritter: Ignorance & Fear Causing Nuclear Armageddon!
https://rumble.com/v1ocscx-scott-ritter-ignorance-and-fear-causing-nuclear-armageddon.html