Abschreckung gegen Russland: Nato kündigt Atomwaffen-Übung an

This Wednesday, NATO kicks off its annual defense drill involving nuclear weapons, dubbed "Steadfast Noon." Around 17 countries' forces, including Italy, will participate in the roughly two-week-long exercise. Details about the event were scarce, with NATO headquarters stating the scope was comparable to last year's with over 2,000 military personnel and more than 70 aircraft involved, including German fighter jets capable of transporting US nuclear bombs stationed in Europe.

NATO's Chief of Nuclear Policy, Nassima Barrows, emphasized that the drill aimed to demonstrate NATO's readiness to defend the alliance and possess the necessary capabilities should the need arise, though no actual nuclear weapons would be deployed. The exercise is unrelated to current global events and not directed against any nation, but NATO has consistently targeted Russia in its threat analysis in recent years.

Last week, Moscow was accused of again threatening nuclear saber-rattling. No specific purpose for Germany's participation, which regularly takes place despite being a country without its own nuclear arsenal, was provided. The nuclear sharing arrangement allows for US atomic bombs of the B61 type stationed in Europe, such as in northern Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Büchel in Rhineland-Palatinate, to be dropped by aircraft from partner states in an emergency, targeting opposing forces.

Officially, unconfirmed reports suggest US nuclear weapons are stored in northern Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Büchel. Military experts noted that apart from regular maneuvers held in October, the exercise would likely involve training how to safely transport and mount the weapons on fighter jets, using dummy bombs without a real nuclear warhead, just like in subsequent attack drills.