American F-35s will be equipped with the fake nuclear bombs and sent to a target. Dutch F-35s are also participating in the exercise, but will not be equipped with the nuclear weapons dummies.
The other 12 participating countries are providing fighter, radar and tanker aircraft, which are to protect, inform and supply. Or they contribute to reconnaissance, command or electronic warfare.
Volkel Air Base is the base of operations during the annual exercise called Steadfast Noon. Airfields in Denmark, England and Belgium are also used. Many of the exercises take place over the North Sea. There will be no shooting or night flights.
The exercise is held every year around this time. Exactly what scenario the countries have to practice is kept secret. The organization emphasizes that they are not reenacting a war with Russia or other existing adversaries.
According to Daniel Bunch, head of Nuclear Operations at NATO headquarters in Mons, Belgium, the operation is primarily aimed at protecting nuclear weapons on the ground.
NATO boss Mark Rutte says in a video that the exercise ensures that the “nuclear deterrent remains as credible, safe and effective as possible.” Rutte further calls it an “extremely realistic” operation, showing that “we will and can protect and defend all allies against all threats.”
