NATO Kicks Off Annual Nuclear Deterrence Exercise 'Steadfast Noon' in Italy

NATO commenced its annual nuclear deterrence exercise, 'Steadfast Noon,' in Italy, involving aircraft from 17 member countries, including new members Finland and Sweden. The drills, which run from October 13 to 23, simulate the use of nuclear weapons without live munitions and are described by the alliance as a defensive measure. The Netherlands, for instance, deployed nuclear-capable F-35 fighter jets for the exercise, having recently achieved nuclear certification for these aircraft under NATO's nuclear-sharing arrangements.