Original Coverage & Source Attribution: cnduk.org
CND stands in solidarity with Italian peace activists protesting in Pisa and Trieste against the NATO ‘Steadfast Noon’ nuclear exercises taking place in Italy this week until 23 October.
‘Steadfast Noon’ are the annual nuclear exercises carried out by NATO states to ‘maintain readiness’ of NATO’s nuclear forces, preparing the alliance for a nuclear attack. Aircraft from 17 NATO member states, include the Dutch F-35A nuclear-capable fighter jets, certified for NATO’s nuclear mission. Britain is in the process of purchasing these nuclear-capable fighter jets from the US at a cost of at least £2.5 billion over the jets’ 30 year lifetime. They will be stationed at RAF Marham, in Norfolk. These jets are designed to launch the US B61-12 nuclear bomb. At least 100 of these bombs have now been deployed to six NATO bases across Europe, including in Britain at RAF Lakenheath.
As is standard practice, NATO issues a statement saying that the exercises have nothing to do with current events. However, the exercises take place as the Ukraine war continues to escalate, with both Ukraine and Russia using long-range, high-speed drones and missiles and in the context of ongoing nuclear threats. Earlier this month, in response to NATO exercises, Russia threatened to use its nuclear weapons if NATO attempts to blockade the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad, which borders Lithuania and Poland. Both Ukraine and Russia have also resumed targeting energy infrastructure and oil refineries, breaching an apparent ‘energy ceasefire’ brokered by the US administration.
Earlier this month France test-fired a new nuclear-capable ballistic missile. President Emmanuel Macron said the test ‘demonstrates the credibility’ of France’s nuclear weapons. Macron has already announced it will be carrying out joint exercises with Germany in preparation for the deployment of its nuclear-armed fighter jets to European countries, including Germany and Poland.
CND’s, General Secretary, Sophie Bolt warned ‘These exercises and accompanying war-mongering rhetoric are only increasing tensions at a time when the nuclear risks over the Ukraine war are accelerating yet again. We condemn Russia’s latest nuclear threats. Whilst ‘Steadfast Noon’ exercises do not use live weapons, they are about preparing for pre-emptive, aggressive nuclear use. Just like Russian military exercises, these deeply provocative NATO exercises should be disbanded. We need political leaders focusing on diplomacy and dialogue to bring this devastating conflict to an end.”
