On Monday, October 17, NATO will begin its annual nuclear exercise Steadfast Noon, during which up to 60 aircraft will take part in training flights over Belgium, the North Sea and Britain.

As Reuters reports, the NATO exercises coincide with Russia's annual nuclear exercises, which are called "Thunder" and are traditionally held at the end of October.

14 countries will take part in the exercises.

Their conduct involves flights of six dozen aircraft, including the most modern fighter jets and American B-52 long-range bombers, which will be relocated from the Minot air base in North Dakota.

NATO troops will practice the use of American nuclear weapons located in Europe, of course, without the use of war bombs.

"The exercises, which will last until October 30, are normal, regular training activities and are not related to any current world events," NATO's official statement emphasized, noting that combat weapons will not be used.

The head of NATO, Jens Stoltenberg, said that the Alliance will conduct its exercises, despite the tense international situation.

According to him, canceling the exercises because of the war in Ukraine would send "a very wrong signal," and NATO's military force is the best way to prevent further escalation of tensions.

At the same time, Russia is preparing for its own exercises, which are usually held at the end of October and during which Russia tests its nuclear bombers, submarines and missiles.

Photo: from social networks

Russia has already announced the closure of seven areas over the Barents Sea for flights.

It will be recalled that earlier NATO warned that any use of nuclear weapons by Moscow would have "unprecedented consequences" for Russia.

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