(VOVWORLD) - NATO on Monday began its annual military exercises "Steadfast Noon" in northern Europe with the participation of 2,000 servicemen from 13 NATO countries and 60 military aircraft.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the exercises will take place mainly in the UK, in the North Sea, and in Belgium and the Netherlands. He said the exercises are intended to send a clear message to adversaries that NATO is prepared to defend itself.
The drills have been planned and prepared for more than a year and no live ammunition will be used in the exercises, NATO said. The maneuvers will last two weeks. Eight airbases will be involved, and aircraft capable of carrying nuclear weapons, bombers, and reconnaissance and electronic warfare aircraft will take part in the exercises.
The NATO press service said NATO is taking steps to ensure the reliability and effectiveness of its nuclear deterrence forces. In 2024, new Dutch F35A fighters were recognized as fit for use in nuclear deterrence missions.