NATO to kick off nuclear drills involving B-52 bombers tomorrow

Agencies | Brussels

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

NATO said on Friday it would launch its annual nuclear exercise "Steadfast Noon" tomorrow, with up to 60 aircraft taking part in training flights over Belgium, the North Sea and Britain to practise the use of US nuclear bombs based in Europe.

The nuclear drills - which do not involve live bombs - are taking place amid heightened tensions after Russia repeatedly threatened nuclear strikes in Ukraine following major military setbacks on the battlefield there.

"Steadfast Noon" is likely to coincide with Moscow's own annual nuclear drills, dubbed "Grom", which are normally conducted in late October and in which Russia tests its nuclear-capable bombers, submarines and missiles.

NATO said the Western drills were not prompted by the latest tensions with Russia.

"The exercise, which runs until 30 October, is a routine, recurring training activity and it is not linked to any current world events," the alliance declared on its webpage, adding that no live weapons would be used.

Belgium is hosting the drills that will involve 14 countries and up to 60 aircraft, including the most advanced fighter jets on the market and US B-52 long-range bombers that will fly in from Minot Air Base in North Dakota, the statement said.