One last solution: NATO is testing its nuclear capabilities amid escalating tensions with Russia

A Dutch F-35 fighter jet took off on Tuesday from Volkel Air Base in the Netherlands, unloaded with a nuclear bomb, with the aim of testing the Nuclear weapons For NATO (NATO) in the event that it is forced to resort to this weapon as a last resort in the future.
This so-called maneuver "Steadfast Noun" It was planned for a long time.
But it is taking place after several incursions by Russian drones into the airspace of countries in NATO, and constituted an opportunity for the alliance to demonstrate its full capabilities and preparations.

70 aircraft from 14 countries

For the first time this year, NATO allowed a small group of journalists to follow the two-week exercise.
More than 70 aircraft from 14 countries and about two thousand elements participate, around the North Sea.
This invitation constitutes Addressed to the press, it is a turning point in the approach of the alliance, which has always adopted a very conservative military culture, as only 4 years ago it did not announce the names of its maneuvers.

Enhancing public opinion awareness

The official in charge of nuclear operations in the alliance, Daniel Bunche, says: "We have always avoided talking about it, but it is definitely time to raise public awareness"
He adds: "The purpose of the exercise is not to show force, but to seriously perform our mission, go out into the field, and showcase the full range of capabilities that the Alliance possesses."
In response to a question about whether the aim of the maneuver was to showcase the alliance’s capabilities towards Moscow, Jim Stokes, the official responsible for nuclear policies in the alliance, said: "Not necessarily"
He adds "We want everyone to understand that we are a responsible nuclear alliance, as transparent as possible, and that we are not acting aggressively"

NATO’s Nuclear Deterrence

Journalists watched a squadron of German and Dutch fighter planes, capable of carrying nuclear warheads, taking off.
But they were not allowed to see their crews practicing loading dummy bombs.
NATO’s nuclear deterrence relies on American weapons deployed at several bases in Europe.
Despite Doubts have been raised about the continuation of this support during the presidency of Donald Trump, and officials stress that nothing has changed in this regard.

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