From today, NATO begins the nuclear military exercises named Steadfast noon as tensions continue to rise about Russia’s nuclear attack on Ukraine and NATO allies. 14 NATO members participate in this exercise, along with 60 aircraft, which will last thirteen days and take place in the airspace over Belgium, the North Sea and Britain. They come just ahead of Russia’s annual Grom exercises, where Moscow is expected to test its nuclear-capable bombers, submarines and missiles.
Steadfast Noon is set against Russia’s ongoing military defeats in Ukraine, with analysts and world leaders worried that Moscow’s threats to use its nuclear arsenal are more than just hyperbole. Even though Russia cannot carry out a strategic atomic attack against Ukraine or a member of NATO, it possesses nearly 2,000 tactical nuclear weapons. These significantly less destructive weapons could have a power range of 1/50 kiloton to 50 kilotons, making them better suited for tactical military goals with a smaller scope, such as assaulting troop deployments.
The exercise includes fighter jets from several NATO nations, such as Belgium and Germany, using B-61 and B-52 bombers provided by the U.S. The performance of crucial tasks like spy plane surveillance and in-flight refuelling is also planned to assist the bombers carrying the payload. No live weapons will be used during the exercise.
The Russia-Ukraine war is still active after 236 days. The Russian ministry of defence declared that they countered the attacks conducted by the Ukrainian military near the Donetsk, Kherson and Mykolaiv regions.
Ukraine once more accused Iran of sending Kamikaze drones to Russia. In less than an hour, the Ukrainian military command claims to have shot down 11 Kamikaze drones built in Iran. Iran categorically denies the allegations that Iran provided drones to Ukraine. These drones hit multiple Kyiv neighbourhoods on October 14. The U.S. also sends Kamikaze drones to Ukraine, and it’s been reported that both countries have extensively used them.