NATO's Nuclear Exercise Raises Concerns of Escalation
NATO's annual nuclear exercise, Steadfast Noon, commenced on Monday, October 17, 2022, with over 60 aircraft participating in training flights over Western Europe. The two-week drill involves fighter jets capable of carrying US nuclear warheads but does not involve any live weapons.
The exercise, hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands, involves 2,000 military personnel from eight airbases and various aircraft types, including nuclear-capable jets, bombers, fighter escorts, refueling aircraft, and planes capable of reconnaissance and electronic warfare.
This year's Steadfast Noon takes place against the backdrop of heightened tensions between Russia and the West. In September, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that Russia could use nuclear weapons if attacked with conventional missiles.
Chinese military expert Song Zhongping expressed concern that the exercise could lower the threshold for using nuclear weapons, potentially increasing the risk of escalation in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He noted that the inclusion of military aircraft capable of carrying nuclear warheads suggests a focus on real combat scenarios.
The potential for direct conflict between Russia and NATO in Ukraine, coupled with lowered thresholds for nuclear weapons use, raises serious concerns for the international community. The possibility of escalation into a nuclear war is a significant threat that requires careful consideration and diplomatic efforts to mitigate.
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