NATO nuclear exercise gets underway in Italian airspace: Aviano and Ghedi air bases are involved
Turkey will also be taking part. The United States will be represented by flight crews and maintenance personnel. France is not taking part due to its decision not to join NATO’s Nuclear Planning Group
Key points
The NATO nuclear exercise in Italian airspace is underway. Its code name is “Steadfast Noon”, literally “Resolute Noon”. From Tuesday 13 October, for around ten days, Italian airspace will be traversed by military aircraft from 17 NATO countries for a nuclear exercise without nuclear weapons. The exercise, which the North Atlantic Alliance conducts every year, will involve the air bases at Aviano, in the province of Pordenone, and Ghedi, in the Brescia area, as well as various locations throughout the area of responsibility, extending beyond northern Italia.
Aircraft capable of carrying out conventional and nuclear missions will take part, although the exercise does not involve the use of nuclear weapons. ‘Steadfast Noon is a nuclear exercise in every sense of the word,’ explained Nassima Barrows, NATO’s Head of Nuclear Policy. ‘“It helps us ensure a safe, secure, effective and credible capability to preserve peace, prevent coercion and deter aggression. It also sends a clear message of unity and determination,” clarified NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte.
NATO: the exercise is not directed against any country
NATO has reiterated that the exercise has been planned for some time, “is not linked to current world events and is not directed against any country. It is not directed against anyone in particular, but we must keep our forces ready to deter and defend”, a senior Alliance official pointed out.
17 allied countries involved
The scale of the forces involved is in line with previous years. This year, 17 allies will be taking part, compared with 14 in 2025 and 13 in 2024. Turkey will also be taking part. The United States will be represented by flight crews and maintenance personnel. France remains on the sidelines due to its decision not to join NATO’s Nuclear Planning Group. However, the Alliance has welcomed the ‘advanced deterrence’ initiative launched by French President Emmanuel Macron, which ten European countries have joined. NATO regards it as complementary to allied nuclear deterrence.
The previous one
In 2025, the exercise took place mainly in the Netherlands, with supporting activities in Belgium, the United Kingdom and Denmark. In 2024, it was hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands. In 2023, the main theatre of operations was once again Italia, along with Croatia and other areas of the Mediterranean.
