NATO has launched its annual nuclear deterrence exercise Steadfast Noon, which takes place in October.
According to a NATO statement, this year’s Steadfast Noon exercise is taking place in the Netherlands.
The main center for the exercise will be Volkel Air Base, and Kleine Brogel Air Base in Belgium and RAF Lakenheight in the UK will serve in support roles.
Around 70 aircraft from 14 allied countries are taking part in the exercise.
The exercise will also include support elements that will perform surveillance, aerial refueling and command and control missions.
The statement quotes the chief’s views NATO’s High Allied Command (SHAPE) Nuclear Operations Division, US Air Force Colonel Daniel Bunch, said that planning and conducting this type of exercise requires a joint allied effort.
“Overall, it can be said that about 2,000 people provided direct support for this exercise,” said Bunch.
NATO Director of Nuclear Policy Jim Stokes also noted that the purpose of the exercise is to encourage transparency at the appropriate time and under appropriate conditions: “In this way, we ensure that our actions are properly understood by both allied nations and the international community.”