Italy will host NATO's annual exercise titled "Steadfast Noon" from October 13 to 23, 2026. This exercise will take place at the Aviano and Ghedi air bases located in northern Italy, aiming to prepare NATO aircraft for the potential deployment of U.S. nuclear weapons stored at air bases in Europe.
Details of the Exercise and Participants
This year's exercise will involve 17 NATO member countries, an increase from 14 countries in 2025 and 13 countries in 2024. Participation from the United States, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, and Turkey has been confirmed. Romania and Poland are also expected to participate by providing fighter support for the exercise. New NATO members, Sweden and Finland, will fully engage in training missions.
Read more: The French government acts against protesting students like domestic enemies
It is noteworthy that France does not participate in NATO's nuclear planning group and will not be present at these exercises. This is likely related to the country's independent nuclear capabilities.
Operational Scenario and Drills
The official operational scenario of these exercises is highly classified, but it appears that the drills will focus on the redeployment of aircraft capable of carrying nuclear weapons and coordination among the air forces of various countries. Military forces will be trained to handle simulated nuclear warheads safely and coordinate airstrike and ground service actions in the event of a nuclear alert.
Simulated bombs will be used in these exercises, and no real nuclear weapons will be mounted on the aircraft. All attacks and weapon deployment operations will be electronically simulated.
Tactical thermonuclear B61 bombs belonging to the United States are stored in Europe, including at Aviano Air Base. The B61-3 and B61-4 bombs are free-fall types with adjustable explosive yields. The B61-12, the latest modified version of these bombs, will soon replace the older bombs.
Given the current geopolitical conditions, any conventional military activity has gained greater significance, and observers assess it through the lens of potential confrontation between East and West. NATO emphasizes the defensive nature of these exercises, but the number of participating countries is increasing, and many NATO member countries possess nuclear weapon delivery capabilities.
There is a growing sentiment that this "train" is heading in the wrong direction. It may be wiser for Europe to focus on peaceful initiatives rather than militarization.
Read more: Trump has retreated from economic sanctions against Russia · Zakhrova: The deployment of NATO forces in the Baltics will not go unanswered
