(MENAFN) NATO commenced its annual Steadfast Noon nuclear preparedness exercise in the Netherlands on Monday, as the alliance seeks to reinforce its deterrence posture in the face of rising geopolitical friction with Russia.

The two-week-long operation, involving roughly 2,000 troops and 70 aircraft from 14 allied countries, is centered at Volkel Air Base, with additional support units based in Belgium, the United Kingdom, and Denmark. The exercise includes both conventional and dual-capable aircraft, backed by surveillance, aerial refueling, and command-and-control support systems.

Speaking ahead of the drills, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized the strategic value of the exercise. “These drills are necessary to send a clear signal to any potential adversary,” he stated on Friday. He added that the operations help ensure NATO’s nuclear deterrent remains “as effective as possible.”

The alliance has stressed that no nuclear weapons will be employed during the training, which focuses on maintaining readiness in the event of a nuclear conflict scenario.

The timing of the drills has drawn scrutiny from Moscow, which has long accused NATO of exacerbating regional instability. Russian officials have not officially responded to this year’s exercise, but past iterations have been sharply criticized. The Kremlin previously warned that the maneuvers “lead to nothing but ratcheting up tensions,” particularly against the backdrop of the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Earlier this month, Russian President Vladimir Putin rebuked Western Europe for what he called an alarmist narrative about a looming conflict with Moscow. He dismissed such claims as a “nonsense mantra” and urged European leaders to redirect their focus toward domestic concerns.

Meanwhile, senior Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov echoed those sentiments, accusing Western nations of engaging in a collective “anti-Russian frenzy.” He described their rhetoric as “extremely belligerent, extremely negative,” and accused them of spreading “brazen lies” about Russia.

In a separate push for de-escalation, Putin has advocated for a one-year extension of the 2010 New START nuclear arms treaty with the United States, urging Washington to avoid actions that could disrupt strategic stability.

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