The annual NATO nuclear exercise Steadfast Noon took place from Monday, October the 13th till Friday October the 24th. This routine exercise is part of NATO's broader efforts to maintain readiness and ensure transparency regarding its nuclear posture. Over 70 fighter jets from 14 different NATO allies participated this year, operating from the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, and the United Kingdom. The Netherlands was the primary host, and Volkel Air Base took the lead role for the first time with its new F-35s. In addition to our own Royal Netherlands Air Force F-35A Lightning IIs, German Tornado IDS bombers from the Brabant base, operated by Tactical Air Force 33 from Buchel, also participated, while the Italians sent three of their Tornadoes from Ghedi Air Base to the Netherlands. Both the Dutch F-35s and the foreign Tornado's are certified to carry and drop American B-61 nuclear bombs, although these were obviously not carried during the exercise and were only simulated. The missions flown (five over two weeks) were further supported by various tanker aircraft (including A330 MRTT aircraft flying from Eindhoven) and radar aircraft (including E-3 AWACS operating from Geilenkirchen Air Base). A total of approximately 2,000 personnel were involved in the exercise.

On the Friday before the exercise, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutten, during a visit to Volkel, said of the exercise: "We must do this because it helps us ensure that our nuclear deterrent remains as credible, safe, secure, and effective as possible. It also sends a clear message to any potential adversary that we can and will protect and defend all allies against all threats." NATO's Chief of Nuclear Operations, US Colonel Daniel Bunch, added: "Steadfast Noon is a nuclear deterrent exercise. It's about maintaining the capabilities of the aircraft and the people who operate them. Since 1949, nuclear deterrence has been a core component of NATO's collective defense and mutual security commitment. As long as nuclear weapons exist, NATO will remain a nuclear alliance."