BRUSSELS, Oct 10 (KUNA) -- NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced on Friday that the alliance will launch its annual nuclear exercise, "Steadfast Noon", next week amid escalating tensions with Russia following a series of airspace incursions by Russian aircraft.
Rutte explained in a video message recorded at Volkel Airbase in the Netherlands, the main host of this yearآ’s drills, that the exercise is "routine" and "not directly related to the Kremlinآ’s recent actions." He said, "We need to conduct these exercises because they help ensure that our nuclear deterrent remains as credible, safe, secure, and effective as possible," adding that "these drills also send a clear message to any potential adversary that we will and can protect and defend all our allies against any threat." NATOآ’s command confirmed that the Netherlands will host the exercise, which is set to begin next week with the participation of 71 aircraft from 14 member states as part of the allianceآ’s annual nuclear deterrence training.
The exercises come in the wake of a series of mysterious drone incidents that disrupted airports and were spotted near military sites in several NATO countries, including Denmark and Estonia. (end) arn.mt