The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has initiated a nuclear exercise, "Steadfast Noon," involving numerous aircraft traversing the skies over southern Europe.
This move follows Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent implication that Moscow may alter its nuclear weapons usage doctrine.
According to Newsweek, the annual two-week-long exercise, which was scheduled well in advance, involves aircraft capable of carrying U.S. nuclear warheads. However, the alliance clarified that the exercise does not involve any live weapons. The drills come at a time of escalating tension between NATO and Moscow, further fueled by Putin's announcement last month of a shift in Russia's nuclear doctrine. The new doctrine would perceive any attack on Russia, supported by a nuclear power, as a joint assault. This raises the possibility of including Ukraine, which is backed by Western allies and their weapons, in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict that erupted in February 2022.
Putin has been known to make provocative statements about nuclear weapons during the war. Moscow currently possesses more nuclear warheads than any other country, as reported by the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICANW). In June, Putin warned the West not to underestimate the possibility of Russia resorting to nuclear weapons.
The NATO drills that commenced on Monday involve 2,000 military personnel from eight airbases, with flights primarily over Belgium and the Netherlands, as well as in airspace over Denmark, the United Kingdom, and the North Sea. The exercise includes nuclear-capable jets, bombers, fighter escorts, refueling aircraft, and planes capable of reconnaissance and electronic missions. The first allied F-35A fighter aircraft from the Netherlands are also prepared to perform nuclear roles.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, without directly referencing Russia, stated in the military bloc's announcement that the exercise "is an important test of the alliance's nuclear deterrent and sends a clear message to any adversary that NATO will protect and defend all Allies."
In May, Russia conducted joint drills with Belarus to practice the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons. The use of these weapons on the battlefield has been a subject of speculation since the onset of Putin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The Russian Foreign Ministry has linked these drills to what it terms as "militant statements" by France, the U.K., and the delivery to Ukraine of U.S. Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS).
While analysts question whether Putin would resort to nuclear weapons, he has escalated his rhetoric about Russia's nuclear threats. Rutte has labeled this as "reckless and irresponsible," although experts view it as another step in the Kremlin's information campaign rather than a clear warning of intent.
Russia's nuclear doctrine outlines how nuclear weapons could be used in response to first strikes or attacks that pose an existential threat to Russia. However, this latter circumstance remains undefined. Putin has stated that he would consider using nuclear weapons if a massive launch of missiles, aircraft, and drones into Russian territory posed a "critical threat" to its sovereignty.
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