(VOVWORLD) - NATO will begin its annual nuclear exercise on Monday, alliance Secretary General Mark Rutte said Thursday.
 NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte delivers a speech at a press conference in Brussels, Belgium. (Photo: VNA) |
F-35A fighter jets and B-52 bombers will be among some 60 aircraft from 13 nations taking part in the two-week exercise, hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands, NATO officials said.
"In an uncertain world it is vital that we test our defense and that we strengthen our defense," Rutte said. The exercise does not use any live weapons. But some 2,000 military personnel taking part in the drills will simulate missions in which warplanes carry US nuclear warheads, the official added.
Angus Lapsley, NATO’s Assistant Secretary General for Defense Policy and Planning, emphasized the importance of the Steadfast Noon exercise, saying that the exercise aims to demonstrate NATO's nuclear capabilities and deter any attack.
NATO is very focused on making sure its nuclear deterrence is credible and assured, according to Lapsley.