Brussels: Europe and the Arabs

Amid the war in Ukraine, fighter jets from 14 NATO countries will hold major "secret" exercises in Belgium next week on the use of air-delivered nuclear weapons. But how useful is such training? Does it not involve risks? This is what the Belgian media asked in Brussels on Thursday

The secret exercises take place every year, but due to the war in Ukraine and the Russian nuclear threat, they will receive much more attention this year than usual. Also in Belgium, because it will all happen, literally, over the heads of the country's population. According to Newsblad newspaper, which added that the Ministry of Defense does not want and cannot give any information about this matter.

An estimated fourteen NATO members will participate in 'Steadfast Noon', which involves warplanes capable of carrying and dropping nuclear warheads. But there are also tanker planes that can provide fuel during the flight, and a fleet that is used in case of war to protect the other aircraft in the air. A total of about 50 aircraft will take off and land in Kleine Brogel. But there will be a lot of activity on the ground.

Because everything is reproduced as faithfully as possible. From taking the nuclear weapons out of the bunkers to attaching them to the planes and effectively dropping them over enemy territory. It is not known where that 'enemy territory' will be next week.

There is no danger to the population. For the sake of clarity, dummies, so to speak, are used for the exercise. Not only for dropping off, but also for transport by the technicians on the ground.

They can expect extra noise nuisance in Peer and the surrounding area. We have not yet received an answer to the question whether the municipal council of Peer, where the military base of Kleine Brogel is located, was informed of the NATO exercise.

No cancellation

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said at an alliance meeting on Wednesday that despite tensions with Russia over the war in Ukraine and remarks by Kremlin leaders that they will use all available means to defend Russian territory, no consideration has been given. to call off 'Steadfast Noon'. “That would set a bad precedent,” said the NATO chief. But the planes taking part will maintain a wide corridor and thus certainly stay far enough from Russian airspace.

Sven Biscop, defense expert at the Egmont Institute, calls such exercises very useful. Especially given the situation now. "Militarily-technically it is of course important to maintain the expertise of the units involved, including the Belgian Air Force." But he now also finds this exercise very important from a military-strategic point of view. “As a deterrent, as an implicit but clear message to Russia that we are also a nuclear alliance. And so threatening with nuclear weapons makes no sense," says Professor Biscop.