NextFin news, NATO announced on Friday, October 10, 2025, that it will commence its major annual nuclear deterrence exercise, Steadfast Noon, on Monday, October 13, 2025. The exercise will be hosted by the Netherlands and involve 71 aircraft from 14 NATO member countries.
The exercise, which runs for approximately two weeks, is designed to ensure that NATO's nuclear forces remain credible, safe, secure, and effective. A key focus of this year's drill is the protection of nuclear weapons before any potential use, reflecting heightened security concerns amid recent mysterious drone incidents near military facilities in Europe, some attributed to Russia.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized that Steadfast Noon is a routine, long-planned training event held annually around mid-October. He stated, "We need to do this because it helps us to make sure that our nuclear deterrent remains as credible, and as safe, and as secure, and as effective as possible. It also sends a clear signal to any potential adversary that we will and can protect and defend all allies against all threats." Rutte clarified that the exercise is not a response to any specific incident or country.
The exercise will primarily take place over the North Sea and involve military bases in Belgium, Britain, Denmark, and the Netherlands. Participating aircraft include bomber and fighter jets capable of carrying nuclear warheads, though no live nuclear weapons or munitions will be used during the drills.
Germany will contribute Tornado strike aircraft configured for the nuclear-sharing role, alongside Eurofighter jets for escort and protection duties. The United States is expected to participate with F-35 aircraft and other support planes, including refueling and reconnaissance aircraft. Finland and Poland will also send fighter jets, and electronic warfare and intelligence systems will be employed.
Colonel Daniel Bunch, Chief of NATO Nuclear Operations, highlighted that protecting nuclear weapons on the ground is a significant part of the exercise. He noted the variety of threats NATO assesses and defends against, including drones, which have become a frequent concern due to recent incursions near NATO facilities. However, he stated, "Drones are not a new threat to us. The more frequent incursions are something we’re obviously keeping an eye on, but ultimately, we’re going to stay one step ahead of the adversary."
NATO's nuclear posture relies on a combination of U.S., UK, and French strategic forces, with U.S. nuclear weapons shared with certain European allies under NATO's nuclear-sharing arrangements. France, while a nuclear power, is not part of NATO's nuclear planning group. NATO officials did not disclose specific operational scenarios for the exercise but stressed it is not directed at any particular country or current international events.
This year's exercise occurs amid heightened tensions in Europe, with officials expressing concern over Russian "grey-zone" activities and repeated airspace incursions near NATO borders. European leaders have discussed tougher responses to these incidents, including warnings to the Kremlin about potential military responses to further violations.
The Steadfast Noon exercise has been a fixture of NATO's training calendar for over a decade, typically involving around 60 aircraft and 2,000 personnel. The Netherlands' hosting of the 2025 exercise follows its prominent role in NATO affairs this year, including hosting the June NATO summit in The Hague and the appointment of former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte as NATO Secretary General.
The Washington Summit declaration from last year reiterates that NATO's nuclear capability aims to preserve peace, prevent coercion, and deter aggression. As long as nuclear weapons exist, NATO will remain a nuclear alliance, according to the declaration.
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