NATO schedules nuclear deterrence drills in Italy

NATO will conduct its annual Steadfast Noon nuclear deterrence exercise in Italy from October 13 to 23, with 17 member states participating, the alliance said. NATO said no live nuclear weapons will be used and described the drills as routine and not directed at any country. The exercise is scheduled to begin Tuesday and comes amid heightened tensions between NATO and Russia, including Russian warnings about the alliance’s actions concerning Kaliningrad, a Russian exclave on the Baltic Sea. The dates and participation were announced by NATO officials on October 8 and 9. Nassima Barrows, NATO’s nuclear policy director, said the exercise is planned in advance and is not a response to current events. She said its annual, predictable nature should leave Russia with no reason to worry or miscalculate. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has described the drills as supporting the alliance’s ability to preserve peace, deter aggression and prevent coercion. NATO officials said the exercise is intended to maintain readiness and rehearse procedures related to nuclear deterrence. The alliance has not released specific scenarios or equipment details for this year’s drills.