NATO Steadfast Noon nuclear deterrence exercise scheduled for October 2026

NATO is scheduled to conduct its annual ‘Steadfast Noon’ nuclear deterrence exercise from October 13 to 20, 2026. The maneuvers will involve approximately 71 aircraft from 14 allied nations, focusing on training procedures related to nuclear deterrence capabilities without the use of actual nuclear weapons.

Key operational hubs for the exercise include bases in Volkel (Netherlands), Büchel (Germany), and Kleine Brogel (Belgium). The Italian Air Force’s 6th Wing, based at Ghedi, is set to participate using Tornado aircraft, even as the base continues the transition to F-35A fighters.

The exercise has drawn opposition from peace movements. In Germany, protesters have organized demonstrations at the Büchel nuclear site, calling on the federal government to withdraw the Bundeswehr from the maneuvers. Activists argue that training for the deployment of nuclear weapons constitutes preparation for war crimes under international law and have urged Germany to join the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.