On October 14, NATO will begin the annual nuclear exercises, which will last for two weeks. According to Armenpress, the press service of the North Atlantic Alliance informs about it.
More than 60 aircraft will participate in NATO's annual Steadfast Noon nuclear exercise, which will conduct training flights in the airspace of Western Europe, according to the statement. During the two-week Steadfast Noon exercise, fighter jets capable of carrying US nuclear warheads will be deployed, but no combat weapons will be used.
"Steadfast Noon is an important test of the alliance's nuclear deterrence, sending a clear signal to any adversary that NATO will defend all allies," said NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
The alliance emphasizes that the upcoming military exercises are "routine and repetitive training activities that are held every October."
"Steadfast Noon involves 2,000 troops from 8 air bases and a variety of aircraft types, including nuclear-capable fighters, bombers, escort fighters, refueling aircraft, as well as aircraft capable of reconnaissance and radio-electronic warfare," the statement said.
This year's exercises will mainly involve flights in the airspace of host countries Belgium and the Netherlands, as well as Denmark, the United Kingdom and the North Sea, NATO said.
"NATO is taking measures to ensure the safety, effectiveness and reliability of the alliance's nuclear deterrence," the alliance's press service added.
