The key nuclear exercise Steadfast Noon began on October 16, 2023, and ended on October 26. Some 60 aircraft, including fourth- and fifth-generation fighter jets, as well as surveillance aircraft and tankers[1] took to the skies over the enchanting landscapes of Italy, Croatia and the Mediterranean Sea. The General Staff of the Polish Army reported that dozens of polish soldiers and three F-16 fighter jets took part[2]. These exercises, which have been recurring for more than a decade, serve as a testament to the unwavering commitment of NATO member states to maintain their nuclear deterrent capabilities, provide collective defense and promote peace and stability in an ever-changing global security landscape.
Rooted in NATO’s rich history of nuclear deterrence policy, Steadfast Noon has been a vital component of the alliance’s strategy for more than a decade. From the beginning, the exercise has played a key role in strengthening the readiness and operational capabilities of NATO’s nuclear forces. It demonstrates the alliance’s commitment to ensuring the security of its member states, especially in the face of emerging security challenges and uncertainties.
Key objectives of the Steadfast Noon:
The choice of Italy, Croatia and the Mediterranean Sea as the operational area for the exercise has significant geopolitical significance:
Steadfast Noon, a recurring exercise for more than a decade, remains an essential part of NATO’s commitment to maintaining its nuclear deterrent capability and ensuring the security of its member states. As global security dynamics continue to evolve, Steadfast Noon serves as a powerful reminder of NATO’s determination to ensure the peace and security of its members. By conducting these exercises over the picturesque landscapes of Italy, Croatia and the Mediterranean Sea, the alliance is not only demonstrating readiness, but also reinforcing its commitment to collective defense and the pursuit of global stability in an ever-changing world.
Sources:
[1] „Nuclear” NATO show of force. Launches exercise pk. „Steadfast Noon” – online https://www.gospodarkamorska.pl/nuklearny-pokaz-sily-nato-rusza-cwiczenie-pk-steadfast-noon-74141 [accessed: 6.11.2023].
[2] https://thttps://twitter.com/SztabGenWP/status/1716819899149091263?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1716819899149091263%7Ctwgr%5E3af60532538f6d308792f8114174bd3cf361bb6d%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fportalobronny.se.pl%2Fpolityka-obronna%2Fpolskie-f-16-na-cwiczeniach-nuklearnych-z-b-52-aa-1Zey-wy58-BKYR.htmlwitter.com/NATO/status/1713533681745400147 [accessed: 7.11.2023]
[3] https://twitter.com/NATO/status/1713533681745400147 [accessed: 6.11.2023].
[4] Nato holds long-planned annual nuclear exercise – online https://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/news_219443.htm?selectedLocale=en [accessed 6.11.2023].
[5] Poland and Croatia strengthen security on NATO’s eastern flank – online https://www.wojsko-polskie.pl/15bz/articles/aktualnosci-w/polska-i-chorwacja-wzmacniaja-bezpieczenstwo-na-wschodniej-flance-nato/ [accessed 6.11.2023].
Tekst powstał w ramach realizacji zadania publicznego zleconego w ramach Rządowego Programu Rozwoju Organizacji Obywatelskich na lata 2018–2030 r. „Bezpieczna Polska jutra – rozwój działań misyjnych Alioth Foundation”.
