14 NATO Countries Conduct Annual Large-Scale Nuclear Exercise Amid Russian Drill

NATO's annual nuclear exercise, Steadfast Noon, took place with participation from 14 countries including new members Finland and Sweden, and involved over 2,000 personnel and 70 aircraft, showcasing readiness to use nuclear weapons stored in Europe. The drill included rehearsal of the new, precise B61-12 US atomic bombs and was held with increased transparency, allowing journalists on site for the first time amid rising tensions with Russia over the Ukraine conflict. Concurrently, Russia conducted a full-spectrum nuclear exercise under President Vladimir Putin's direct supervision, involving its land, sea, and air nuclear triad, signaling its strategic readiness. Both NATO and Russia's exercises underscore ongoing nuclear deterrence doctrines, with heightened risks of misinterpretation amid their simultaneous timing. NATO emphasizes that its drills are routine and responsible, aimed at public transparency rather than aggression, while Russia's display highlights comprehensive command readiness and operational skills of its nuclear forces.