NATO Concludes Steadfast Noon 2025 at Volkel Air Base Amid Public Interest and Peaceful Protests

Aviation News – NATO’s annual nuclear deterrence exercise Steadfast Noon 2025 officially concluded today at Volkel Air Base, Netherlands after two weeks of intensive multinational flight operations.

The event drew large crowds of aviation enthusiasts who gathered around the base to watch participating aircraft, including six Tornado IDS jets three German and three Italian operating alongside Royal Netherlands Air Force F-35A Lightning IIs.

This year’s edition marked a milestone in transparency, as NATO confirmed details of the exercise while it was still underway a first in the history of the long-running training series. The public communication drew attention not only from aviation followers but also from local groups opposed to nuclear weapons.

Last Thursday, a small but vocal protest took place outside the base gates. Demonstrators called for the removal of nuclear assets from Dutch territory and criticized NATO’s continued nuclear sharing policy. The demonstration remained peaceful, with local police present to ensure safety and access to the base.

Despite the protest, the overall public response throughout the two week period was largely positive. Spotters and residents from across the Netherlands travelled to Volkel to witness the international mix of aircraft taking part in the exercise. For many, it was a rare opportunity to see both modern and legacy jets operating side by side.

With Steadfast Noon 2025 now complete, the participating Tornados are set to return to their home bases in Germany and Italy in the coming days. For Volkel Air Base, the exercise brought an unusual combination of excitement, debate, and international attention making this edition one of the most notable in recent years.

Photos Jeroen Vogelaar