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NATO is set to conduct its annual nuclear deterrence drill, ‘Steadfast Noon’, with the 2025 edition hosted by the Netherlands. The exercise, a key component of NATO’s nuclear defence strategy, underscores the alliance’s commitment to maintaining credible deterrence capabilities amid evolving global security challenges.

About Steadfast Noon

Steadfast Noon is a long-standing annual nuclear readiness exercise conducted by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). It serves as a crucial test of the alliance’s nuclear deterrence procedures, operational coordination, and preparedness to defend member states against strategic threats.

Key Features

• Host Country (2025): Netherlands
• Main Operating Base:Volkel Air Base, Netherlands
• Additional Bases:KleineBrogel (Belgium), Lakenheath (UK), Skrydstrup (Denmark)
• Participants: 14 NATO nations including the U.S., Germany, Poland, Finland, Belgium, the UK, the Netherlands, and Denmark
• Aircraft Involved: ~70–71 aircraft, including dual-capable fighter jets like the German Tornado and U.S./Dutch F-35s
• Nature of Exercise: Training for nuclear-mission capable aircraft — no live nuclear weapons are carried or flown

Dual-capable aircraft are equipped to deliver both conventional and nuclear payloads, making this exercise significant for testing operational flexibility and readiness.

Purpose and Strategic Context

The exercise is intended to:

• Validate operational procedures for NATO’s nuclear deterrent
• Strengthen coordination among allied air forces
• Signal commitment to collective defence under Article 5 of the NATO Treaty
• Deter adversaries by demonstrating credible nuclear readiness

Non-Participation of France

France does not take part in Steadfast Noon as it maintains an independent nuclear command and does not integrate its nuclear forces into NATO’s command-and-control system.