Steadfast Noon

In the NATO alliance Steadfast Noon is an annual two week training exercise for member countries in handling nuclear weapons.^[1] In 2022 this exercise commenced 17 October and culminated 30 October. The NATO exercise involved 14 nations.^[2] In 2022 the Steadfast Noon exercise was hosted by Belgium at Kleine Brogel Air Base; the training flights took place over Belgium, the UK, and the North Sea. The training aircraft were up to 60 in number and largely consisted of F-16s, Panavia Tornadoes, and B-52s. Surveillance and tanker aircraft also flew in support. No nuclear weapons were involved, but the crews were trained using mock devices.

Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Turkey are the NATO nations holding B61 nuclear bombs in Europe. It would have taken the "explicit political approval of NATO’s Nuclear Planning Group (NPG)" and the authorization of the US and UK president and prime minister, respectively, to arm and load the B-61s. ^[2][3]

Notes and references

1. NATO headquarters (14 Oct 2022) NATO’s annual nuclear exercise gets underway
2. Kyle Mizokami Popular Mechanics (21 Oct 2022) Military Aircrews from 14 Countries Meet to Practice Handling Nukes "NATO says the annual 'Steadfast Noon' exercise has nothing to do with Russia’s war—but it's always good to be prepared".
3. ROBERT VASS and ROBIN SHEPHERD (8 Dec 2022) The Ukraine Fight Is Just Part of Russia’s War "Western leaders must remind their populaces what is under pressure and at stake".