Aviation News (updated 11-10-2025) – NATO will kick off its yearly nuclear deterrence exercise, Steadfast Noon, from Monday, involving 71 aircraft across 14 nations in a show of alliance readiness.
The Netherlands will host the 2025 iteration of Steadfast Noon, a two-week exercise intended to test NATO’s ability to plan, safeguard, and respond as a unified nuclear alliance. The exercise, scheduled to begin October 13, underscores NATO’s resolve amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and its continued commitment to collective defence.
Under Dutch leadership, the exercise will incorporate aircraft and bases in Belgium, Britain, Denmark, and the Netherlands. No live nuclear weapons will be used. The drills come amid recent concerns over security around military installations in Europe, highlighting the importance of protecting nuclear assets and ensuring safe operations across the alliance.
Operationally, Steadfast Noon simulates the full chain of nuclear operations: from command decision-making and mission planning to coordination, deployment, and security of weapons on the ground and in the air. A key focus this year will be on countering modern threats such as drone incursions and enhancing interoperability between participating nations’ air forces and support systems.
“NATO must ensure that our nuclear deterrent remains credible, safe, secure and effective,” said Secretary-General Mark Rutte in a statement from Volkel Air Base, the main host of this year’s exercise. “This exercise also sends a clear signal to any potential adversary that we will and can protect and defend all allies against all threats.”
In the months ahead, Steadfast Noon is expected to reaffirm NATO’s deterrence posture and reassure member states of collective defence capabilities. The emphasis on asset protection also signals evolving priorities in an era of emerging unmanned threats. Lessons learned from the exercise will inform future NATO nuclear planning and security protocols.
As Steadfast Noon begins, NATO once again demonstrates that nuclear readiness remains a cornerstone of its defence strategy. Over the coming weeks, attention will focus on how effectively the alliance adapts to modern security challenges and strengthens its collective deterrence posture.
Participants
| Finland Germany Netherlands Poland Sweden United States | 4 3 4 3 – 4 | McDonnel Douglas F/A-18C Hornet Panavia Tornado Lockheed Martin F-35A Ligtning II Lockheed Martin F-16C Vipers Saab JAS39C Gripen Lockheed Martin F-35A Ligtning II |
In addition to several countries contributing dual-capable aircraft for the strike mission, allies will also supply electronic warfare aircraft, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance assets, command and control aircraft, and aerial refueling tankers.
While Volkel Air Base will be the main hub, RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom. and Kleine Brogel Air Base in Belgium will host supporting elements, and a large contingent of conventional support for nuclear operations will operate from Fighter Wing Skrydstrup in Denmark.
