⚡️🏁🇷🇺 — NATO’s annual “Steadfast Noon” nuclear exercise begins Tuesday in Italy, lasting 10 days with potential participation from dozens of aircraft across 17 member states. This routine drill has occurred around this time for over a decade. NATO Head of Nuclear Policy Nassima Barrows stated it poses no threat and is unrelated to current events: “Our exercise Steadfast Noon is routine... There is no need to worry. This is predictable.” She emphasized the goal is training allied forces for readiness and nuclear safety. — AP / Politico

➡️ Officials declined to disclose specific scenarios or equipment, though past drills involved nuclear-capable bombers, fighters, and ground troops. The current drill features dual-capable aircraft and ground personnel training in loading, fueling, and maintenance. US Col. David Bull, NATO’s chief of nuclear operations, said participation is “similar” to previous years, ranging from “simulated alert to [a] live flight exercise,” with no nuclear warheads or live munitions used.

➡️ Russia warned it would not hesitate to use nuclear weapons if its territory is threatened. Following previous exercises, Moscow sent a letter threatening allied territory and referencing its nuclear arsenal; NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte rebuked this last week. A senior NATO official said: “Our intention is to really keep things calm,” noting Russian officials “keep ratcheting up this mood of tension and we are going to keep trying to calm the mood.”

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