‘Nato is ready’ as it holds annual nuclear drill from Monday

The exercise does not use any live weapons but some 2,000 military personnel taking part will simulate missions

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Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte speaks to the media after meeting Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at 10 Downing Street. Photo: AP

Published: 7:33pm, 10 Oct 2024

Nato will begin its annual nuclear exercise on Monday, alliance Secretary General Mark Rutte said on Thursday, against a backdrop of heightened nuclear rhetoric from Russian President Vladimir Putin.

F-35A fighter jets and B-52 bombers will be among some 60 aircraft from 13 nations taking part in the Steadfast Noon exercise, hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands, Nato officials said.

“In an uncertain world it is vital that we test our defence and that we strengthen our defence so that our adversaries know that Nato is ready, and is able to respond to any threat,” he said in London following meetings with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

“The whole exercise will particularly focus on the United Kingdom, the North Sea, but also Belgium and the Netherlands,” he added.

Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte (right) talks with Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer as he leaves after their meeting at 10 Downing Street. Photo: AFP

The exercise does not use any live weapons. But some 2,000 military personnel taking part in the drills in the “North Sea area” will simulate missions in which warplanes carry US nuclear warheads, officials said.

The exercise will start on Monday and last for about two weeks, according to officials from the 32-member transatlantic military alliance.