NATO responds to nuclear threats from Russia, China and North Korea: non-random military exercises

14 October 19:29
ANALYSIS FROM Komersant Ukrainian

On Monday (14 October), NATO launched its annual nuclear defence exercise, Steadfast Noon. The manoeuvres include training in the use of nuclear weapons and involve around 2,000 troops deployed to eight air bases across Europe. The exercises will take place at air bases in Belgium and the Netherlands, as well as over the North Sea, in the airspace of the United Kingdom and Denmark. Is this a response to the escalation and increased combat readiness of the DPRK, Russia’s nuclear threats, and China’s large-scale military exercises around Taiwan?

Has the world become one step closer to the Third World Nuclear War? Komersant UkrainianKomersant Ukrainian analysed.

With more than 60 aircraft from 13 NATO member states, including modern fighters capable of carrying US nuclear bombs, long-range bombers, surveillance and refuelling aircraft, the manoeuvres involving these machines are nothing less than a demonstration of NATO’s combat power.

Although the details of the exercise remain classified, military experts indicate that the manoeuvres may include practising the transport of US nuclear weapons from underground storage facilities to aircraft and their installation under fighter jets. However, according to experts, the flights are conducted without bombs.

Thus, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stressed that the exercises “are not a direct response to Russia’s war against Ukraine”, but they are intended to demonstrate the Alliance’s readiness to defend its allies and send a clear signal to the enemy of NATO’s determination to act.

the “axis of evil” is testing the US for weakness: US responds

Head of the Centre for Military and Legal Studies Oleksandr Musienko in an exclusive commentary for Komersant UkrainianKomersant Ukrainian noted that the current aggravation in the international arena is associated with attempts by the so-called “axis of evil” to take advantage of certain weaknesses and indecision, in particular of the United States as a global leader and “world policeman”. Moreover, in the context of the election campaign.

“Russia is waging an aggressive war against Ukraine, China is conducting regular exercises simulating a landing on Taiwan, and tensions on the Korean Peninsula are growing. This demonstrates the readiness of these states to test the limits of what is acceptable and explore how weakened the United States is,” Musienko said

Musienko also drew attention to the growing nuclear threat.

“Russia systematically threatens to use nuclear weapons, and China is actively building up its nuclear arsenal. The pace of its development exceeds even the indicators of the Cold War. Although China cannot yet match Russia or the United States in terms of the number of nuclear warheads, the trend is worrying,” Oleksandr Musienko said

The expert also added that North Korea continues its nuclear rhetoric, forcing the West, and especially the United States, to take response measures, including inspections of its combat readiness and nuclear arsenal.

“This is part of a broader strategy of nuclear deterrence, which, although not new, is now attracting more attention due to media coverage,” said Musienko

The situation is tense: Alliance responds to threats

NATO’s exercises are a necessary step in response to the threat posed by Russia. This is the subject of an exclusive commentary for Komersant UkrainianKomersant Ukrainian military expert Oleg Zhdanov said in an exclusive commentary for Komersant UkrainianKomersant Ukrainian. According to him, it is not only Russia that uses nuclear rhetoric as a tool of pressure.

“Obviously, the Alliance had to demonstrate its nuclear capabilities sooner or later in response to Russian threats, especially against the backdrop of escalation from North Korea and Iranian threats,” Zhdanov said.

The expert also drew attention to the recent underground explosion in Iran, which, according to him, increases tensions in the region

“Although there is no official assessment of this explosion yet, even attempts to present it as a nuclear explosion are alarming. In response, NATO is demonstrating its readiness to act, which undoubtedly raises the level of tension,” – Oleg Zhdanov

So, although Steadfast Noon exercises are not officially a response to conflicts, they send a powerful signal to NATO’s adversaries, demonstrating the Alliance’s readiness to defend its allies. In a time of nuclear rhetoric and regional destabilisation, NATO’s exercises are seen as part of a strategic nuclear deterrent and a show of military power. This is certainly a powerful step in the face of new threats.

Author – Anastasiia Fedor

Мандровська Олександра
Editor