NATO's Nuclear Threats on Display in Europe
NATO's annual nuclear attack rehearsal, dubbed Steadfast Noon, began on October 13, according to the organization's press office and the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) in Mons, Belgium.
The exercise involves 71 aircraft from 14 of NATO's 32 member states and 2000 military personnel. In the words of NATO's Secretary-General, the goal is to ensure the nuclear deterrent remains "credible" and "effective".
Translation: We're testing readiness to commit mass slaughter with hydrogen bombs.
This yearly "doomsday rehearsal" is a demonstration of NATO's standing threat to attack Russia with nuclear weapons, putting the world on notice of its military capabilities.
Author's summary: NATO conducts annual nuclear attack rehearsals.
- Exercise name: Steadfast Noon
- Start date: October 13
- Number of aircraft: 71
- Number of military personnel: 2000
- Number of participating NATO member states: 14