NATO nuclear deterrence drills to begin in Italy

NATO said it will start its annual Steadfast Noon nuclear deterrence exercise in Italy on October 13, with 17 nations taking part amid tensions with Russia.

The alliance said on Thursday that the drills will run until October 23 and will not use live weapons. NATO described the exercise as a long-planned routine training activity intended to maintain readiness and test procedures linked to deterrence and defence.

NATO said the exercise is not linked to current world events and is not directed against any country.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the alliance is defensive and that the exercise helps ensure a “safe, secure, effective, and credible capability” to deter aggression.

Russia, which has been invading Ukraine since 2022, has accused NATO of staging “provocative” actions around Kaliningrad and has warned it is ready to use “its entire arsenal”. NATO has condemned those comments, while alliance officials say they have not seen major changes in Russia’s nuclear posture.