NATO will begin its annual "Steadfast Noon" nuclear deterrence exercise in Italy next week, with 17 member states taking part, the alliance and Italy's defence ministry announced on Thursday, October 8, 2026 — just weeks after Russia warned it would not hesitate to use nuclear weapons should its territory come under threat.
The exercise will begin on Tuesday, October 13, and run until October 23, according to AFP and Associated Press reports, while Reuters — citing Italy's defence ministry — described it as a week-long drill. Italy is hosting the exercise, a role it has taken six times before, with the bulk of activities being held near Italy, far from Russia.
Routine, but closely watched
NATO insists the drill is routine and long-planned, not a response to current events. "The exercise is a long-planned, routine training activity that is part of NATO's efforts to maintain readiness and test procedures that contribute to the alliance's deterrence and defence," the alliance said in a statement, adding that no live weapons are used and the exercise "is not directed against any country."
NATO's head of nuclear policy, Nassima Barrows, told reporters: "Our exercise Steadfast Noon is routine. We have been doing this every year and we have not postponed... There is no need to worry. This is predictable." Senior officials said they would not disclose the scenarios or equipment involved, though bomber aircraft and fighter jets capable of carrying nuclear warheads have taken part in past editions alongside ground troops. The exercise has been held at roughly the same time each year for more than a decade.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the exercise helps ensure "a safe, secure, effective, and credible capability" to preserve peace, prevent coercion and deter aggression, and sends a clear message of unity and resolve.
Russia's warning
The drill comes amid heightened tensions after Russia warned NATO it would be ready to resort to nuclear weapons if the alliance attempted to cut off Kaliningrad, the Russian exclave bordering the Baltic Sea. In a document sent to NATO and seen by Reuters, Moscow accused the alliance of a "dangerous and reckless course" that entailed "high risks of the outbreak of a direct armed conflict." Russia has also warned it is prepared to use its "entire arsenal." NATO condemned the remarks, though officials said they have not observed major changes in Russia's nuclear posture.
Sources:
Italy to host NATO nuclear exercise Steadfast Noon next week (Reuters)
NATO Presses Ahead With 'Steadfast Noon' Nuclear Drill After Russia's Nuclear Warning (Associated Press via Military.com)
The exercise will begin on Tuesday, October 13, and run until October 23, according to AFP and Associated Press reports, while Reuters — citing Italy's defence ministry — described it as a week-long drill. Italy is hosting the exercise, a role it has taken six times before, with the bulk of activities being held near Italy, far from Russia.
Routine, but closely watched
NATO insists the drill is routine and long-planned, not a response to current events. "The exercise is a long-planned, routine training activity that is part of NATO's efforts to maintain readiness and test procedures that contribute to the alliance's deterrence and defence," the alliance said in a statement, adding that no live weapons are used and the exercise "is not directed against any country."
NATO's head of nuclear policy, Nassima Barrows, told reporters: "Our exercise Steadfast Noon is routine. We have been doing this every year and we have not postponed... There is no need to worry. This is predictable." Senior officials said they would not disclose the scenarios or equipment involved, though bomber aircraft and fighter jets capable of carrying nuclear warheads have taken part in past editions alongside ground troops. The exercise has been held at roughly the same time each year for more than a decade.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the exercise helps ensure "a safe, secure, effective, and credible capability" to preserve peace, prevent coercion and deter aggression, and sends a clear message of unity and resolve.
Russia's warning
The drill comes amid heightened tensions after Russia warned NATO it would be ready to resort to nuclear weapons if the alliance attempted to cut off Kaliningrad, the Russian exclave bordering the Baltic Sea. In a document sent to NATO and seen by Reuters, Moscow accused the alliance of a "dangerous and reckless course" that entailed "high risks of the outbreak of a direct armed conflict." Russia has also warned it is prepared to use its "entire arsenal." NATO condemned the remarks, though officials said they have not observed major changes in Russia's nuclear posture.
Sources:
Italy to host NATO nuclear exercise Steadfast Noon next week (Reuters)
NATO Presses Ahead With 'Steadfast Noon' Nuclear Drill After Russia's Nuclear Warning (Associated Press via Military.com)