BRUSSELS (AP) - NATO will hold a long-planned major nuclear exercise next week, the alliance's chief said Thursday, a few weeks after President Vladimir Putin announced changes to Russia's nuclear doctrine to discourage Ukraine's Western allies from supporting attacks on his country.
NATO will start an annual nuclear exercise as Russia threatens Ukraine’s Western backers
BRUSSELS (AP) - NATO will hold a long-planned major nuclear exercise next week, the alliance's chief said Thursday, a few weeks after President Vladimir Putin announced changes to Russia's nuclear doctrine to discourage Ukraine's Western allies from supporting attacks on his country.
The "Steadfast Noon" exercise starts on Monday and will run for about two weeks. It will be led by Belgium and the Netherlands, use eight military bases and involve 2,000 personnel and 60 aircraft from 13 nations. The exercise has been held at roughly the same time each year for over a decade.
Bomber aircraft and fighter jets that can carry nuclear warheads are taking part. No live munitions are used. The bulk of the exercise is being held around 900 kilometers (560 miles) from Russia in the North Sea. Moscow has been informed about the drills, NATO officials say.
“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," new NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte told reporters in London.