NATO plans nuclear drills next week

NATO’s Nuclear Planning Group met Thursday ahead of the alliance’s annual nuclear exercises next week—possibly at the same time Russia holds its drills. If the exercises don’t occur at the same time, Russia could conduct its annual exercises the week afterward, said UK Defense Secretary Ben Wallace. NATO itself does not own nuclear weapons—just three of its 30 member countries do—the United States, the United Kingdom, and France. France does not take part in NATO nuclear planning meetings. The alliance is continuing with the exercises, despite recent Russian posturing because it wants to give a firm, predictable response, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said. 

What will the exercises look like? The drills, called “Steadfast Noon,” were planned before Russia invaded Ukraine and the main part will be held about 600 miles away from Russia, NATO officials said. It’s always held around the same time of year. Fourteen NATO countries will participate in maneuvers that will include fighter jets capable of carrying warheads but won’t have any live bombs. The exercises may also involve surveillance and refueling aircraft. 

Dig deeper: Read Rebeccah L. Heinrich’s column in World Opinions on the morality of U.S. nuclear deterrence.