More than 60 aircraft and 2,000 soldiers from 13 NATO states participate in the "Steadfast Noon 2024" exercises launched on Monday. nonsubjective – to test atomic deterrence scenarios. Machines capable of carrying atomic loads will operate over Western Europe. “Steadfast Noon” is simply a cyclical enterprise.
The exercises have been organized for more than a decade – always in October. This year's edition included 13 countries and aircraft, which represent NATO's business card. Among them are American B-52 bombers and F-35A fighters. The machines are to launch from 8 bases located in Western Europe. Individual tasks will be carried out in the airspace of the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, large Britain and the North Sea. Of course, no of the aircraft were armed with atomic warhead missiles. It's all about investigating certain abilities.
– Nuclear deterrence This is 1 of the pillars of the Alliance's safety – emphasises Mark Rutte, recently appointed Secretary General of NATO. “The exercises are a clear signal that we send possible opponents: we are going to defend and, if necessary, stand up for all ally,” points out Rutte. As Angus Lapsley, as quoted by the AP, notes, the Deputy Secretary-General of NATO for Defence Policy and Planning, “Steadfast Noon 2024” is an highly hard time. "The Alliance closely monitors the issue of the emergence of North Korea as a atomic power, we are observing the expansion of China's possible and Iran's fresh actions. But we are most afraid about Russia He emphasizes. Lapsley points out that Russian president Vladimir Putin regularly reaches for atomic rhetoric. For example, he late mentioned a possible change in atomic doctrine. According to him, the Russians would claim the right to usage atomic weapons even if conventional missiles fell into their territory. “This is rather a clear effort to influence us on the issue of aid that we are carrying Ukraine”, Lapsley says. However, as the national officials point out, there is no action following the words of the dictator. “Although Putin’s rhetoric is reckless and irresponsible, there is no evidence that he intends to usage atomic weapons,” admitted Rutte, during the last press briefing in London.
But “Steadfast Noon 2024” is not a direct consequence to Putin’s fresh statements. NATO representatives remind that preparations for this year's edition of maneuvers began a year ago. In order not to escalate tensions, the exercises themselves are conducted almost a 1000 kilometres from the Russian borders. In addition, the Kremlin was to be informed of their intention to organise them and of the date on which they were held. The exercise will take 2 weeks.
According to a message from the last NATO summit in Washington, the atomic arsenal is needed only to discourage possible aggressors and keep peace. The paper reads: “As long as atomic weapons exist, NATO will stay an alliance nuclearIt’s okay. ”
