Nuclear Exercising at NATO

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STEADFAST NOON is NATO's annual nuclear strike mission exercise, renamed from ABLE GAIN, involving dual-capable aircraft (DCA) and conventional support roles.
Participating nations include the US, Belgium, Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Greece, Turkey, and the UK (from 2036), using aircraft like F-16s, F-35As, and Tornados.
The B61-12 nuclear bomb is the primary weapon, with over 100 stored in Europe. F-35As can carry B61s internally, unlike F-35Bs.
STEADFAST NOON 2025 took place from 13-24 October at Volkel Air Base, Netherlands, with 71 aircraft from 14 Allies and 2,000 troops.
Other NATO nuclear exercises include STEADFAST NERVE, NIMBUS, NOMAD, and NUMBER, focusing on planning, safety, control, and strike evaluation.
Historical exercises date back to 1998, with detailed records of participation and locations available in open sources.
The exercise involves complex scenarios, including Red Team defenses, aerial refueling, and coordination via AWACS and tankers.
France and Sweden trained separately during STEADFAST NOON 2025, indicating broader NATO collaboration.
NATO's nuclear strategy includes flexible response, targeting military objectives near conflict zones to manage escalation.
Detailed analyses and tracking via platforms like ADSBexchange provide insights into exercise dynamics and participant roles.

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