Belgium is hosting until 30th October NATO’s annual nuclear deterrence exercise Steadfast Noon which involves dozens of aircraft conducting training flights over Belgium, the North Sea and the UK. The exercise also involves 14 allied countries and 60 aircraft, including last generation fighter jets which will exercise the use of the American nuclear bombs based in Europe. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said NATO will go ahead with its exercises despite the tense international situation. Cancelling them because of the war in Ukraine would send the wrong signal and NATO’s „military strength is the best way to prevent escalation”, he said. The drill, which does not involve live ammunition, is a „routine, recurring training activity”, NATO has stressed.
