NATO shows off nuclear deterrence capabilities in annual drill

A Dutch F-35 jet roared off the runway Tuesday at Volkel airbase in the Netherlands as part of NATO's annual nuclear exercise Steadfast Noon. The long-planned drill, which involves no live nuclear bombs, is routine practice for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to ensure it is ready to use its ultimate weapon if necessary.

Involving over 70 aircraft from 14 countries and some 2,000 personnel, the 2025 iteration of the drill is focused on the North Sea region. Daniel Bunch, chief of NATO's Nuclear Operations said speaking in the Netherlands that "This was not saber rattling. This was about consistently performing the mission and going out and demonstrating the full range of capabilities that the alliance has" .