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NATO Annual Nuclear Exercise, Steadfast Noon

NATO Allied Air Command

Oct 20 2025

RAMSTEIN, Germany -- Allied Command Operations (ACO) initiated NATO's annual nuclear deterrence exercise, Steadfast Noon. The routine training, scheduled to run until October 24, involves up to 70 aircraft from 14 Allied countries and takes place across four host nations, as well as the airspace over the North Sea region.

The primary objective of the exercise is to test and refine the Alliance's procedures to ensure the continued credibility, security, and effectiveness of NATO's nuclear deterrent. This long-planned, routine event is integral to maintaining readiness and promoting transparency regarding the Alliance's nuclear posture, and it is unrelated to current global events. No live nuclear weapons are involved.

"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," NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said ahead of the exercise. "It also sends a clear signal to any potential adversary that we will and can protect and defend all allies against all threats.".

During Steadfast Noon, service members will rehearse procedures related to the deployment of dual-capable aircraft units and the employment of conventional support assets in nuclear operations, ensuring all participating forces can coordinate effectively in a nuclear scenario..

Exercise operations are centered at Volkel Air Base (Netherlands), Royal Air Force Lakenheath (United Kingdom), Kleine-Brogel Air Base (Belgium), and Skrydstrup Air Base (Denmark). Participating nations include the four host countries, alongside contributors such as Finland, Poland, the United States, and Germany.

The training involves 13 different types of air assets, including dual-capable, fifth-generation fighter jets (such as the F-35), surveillance and reconnaissance assets and refuelling aircraft (such as the E-3A Sentry and KC-135 Stratotanker) serving in a conventional support role for nuclear operations.

NATO and its 32 Allies consider nuclear weapons a fundamental part of the Alliance's overall deterrence and defence strategy, aimed at preserving peace and preventing coercion.

Story by Allied Air Command Public Affairs Office