Brussels: Europe and the Arabs - agencies
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) forces began the "Nuclear Deterrence" exercises, today, Monday, using the strategic bombers of the US Air Force.
According to a statement by the coalition, up to 60 aircraft will participate in the so-called "Stop Day" exercises, including modern combat aircraft, as well as reconnaissance aircraft, tanker aircraft and B-52 long-range bombers.
He stressed that the maneuvers will be over the airspace of Belgium, Great Britain and the North Sea, adding that the German army will participate in the maneuvers.
NATO made clear that "silent noon" is not a reaction to Russia's war against Ukraine.
"The exercise, which will continue until October 30, is a recurring, routine training procedure unrelated to current global events," the alliance said. "These exercises will help ensure that the alliance's nuclear deterrent remains safe and effective," said NATO spokeswoman Oana Lungescu.
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 the Newsblad newspaper, which added that the Ministry of Defense does not want and cannot give any information about this matter.
A few days ago, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg confirmed the annual nuclear exercises, without going into details. An estimated fourteen NATO members will participate in the "Steadfast Noon", which features warplanes capable of carrying and dropping nuclear warheads. But there are also tanker aircraft that can provide fuel during the flight, and a fleet that is used in case of war to protect other aircraft in the air. About 50 planes will take off and land at Klein Bruegel. But there will be a lot of activity on the ground. Because everything is reproduced as faithfully as possible. From taking nuclear weapons out of bunkers to attaching them to planes and literally dropping them over enemy territory. It is not known where the "enemy territory" will be next week.