NATO nuclear exercise kicks off today: what happens

In one of the most difficult moments in the relationship between NATO and Russia, the Atlantic Alliance is flexing its muscles with a nuclear exercise, which kicked off on Monday 13 October. An annual appointment, codenamed 'Steadfast Noon', the operation aims to check that the machine is well-oiled: a routine operation, as the commanders are keen to emphasise, but one that at the same time serves to send 'a clear signal to potential adversaries'. "We can and will defend every ally from every possible threat," Secretary General Mark Rutte made clear from the Dutch base in Volkel.

The Netherlands, in fact, is this year's host country. In all, 14 allies will take part in the exercises, among them Italy: each capital chooses how to participate, they explained at NATO, declining to spell out the various national contributions. What is known is the aggregate: a total of 71 aircraft, of 13 different types, including dual-use jets capable of carrying nuclear weapons. Around 2,000 people will be involved, including ground staff.

But, importantly, no real weapons will be used. Atomic bombs, in short, will never leave the silos. "An important part of the exercise will focus on the land-based element of the protection of these weapons," clarified Daniel Bunch, Head of NATO Nuclear Operations at the Supreme Headquarters (Shape). Therefore, 'different threats' - the mind immediately goes to unidentified drone raids across half of Europe - will be taken into account, from which NATO men and women will have to defend themselves carefully and precisely, as we are talking about 'assets that require maximum security and protection'.

Steadfast Noon will last for a fortnight and will focus on the North Sea, with assistance provided from bases in Belgium, the UK and Denmark. Of course Moscow will be watching very closely what Nato does in the coming weeks. "We take it for granted," confided Nato's nuclear policy director Jim Stokes. All the more reason to be transparent (just remember that until four years ago even the name of the exercise was classified). "There is also a wider global public opinion and we are aware that sometimes there is perhaps criticism of what we do," Stokes added. "But we want to make sure that people understand that we are a responsible nuclear alliance: we don't act aggressively, we don't use irresponsible nuclear rhetoric."