Top secret NATO nuclear exercise to take place over UK as Russia tensions intensify

Air forces from 14 countries are set to join the "highly sensitive" training event which aims to test the ability of allies to conduct nuclear strikes - the bedrock of NATO deterrence policy. Security and Defence Editor @haynesdeborah Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player A NATO nuclear exercise with warplanes that can drop atomic bombs will take place from next week over the United Kingdom, the North Sea and Belgium, the alliance has said. The annual training - called Steadfast Noon - is going ahead despite escalating tensions with Russia over fears President Vladimir Putin might consider a real nuclear strike in Ukraine. Unusually, NATO chose to highlight well in advance the fact the exercise was coming up. This appears to have been in a bid to ensure transparency and reduce the risk of any misunderstanding about the top secret and highly sensitive exercise. Ukraine war latest news: Vladimir Putin says he is open to talks but threatens NATO Even the name, Stead