NATO will begin its annual nuclear drills, known as “Steady Fast Noon”, next Monday, with the participation of about 60 aircraft from 13 countries, including F-35A fighter jets and B-52 bombers, under the supervision of Belgium and the Netherlands.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stressed that these exercises aim to test and strengthen defenses, stressing the importance of the alliance’s readiness in light of changing global conditions.

He said: “In an uncertain world, it is essential that we test our defense and strengthen our defenses so that our adversaries know that NATO is ready and able to respond to any threat.”

The drills will focus on the United Kingdom and the North Sea, in addition to Belgium and the Netherlands. Although the drills do not use live weapons, they will simulate operations in which warplanes carry American nuclear warheads, with the participation of about 2,000 soldiers.

The drills will last for two weeks, and come at a time when Putin has warned that Russia may use nuclear weapons if it is attacked by conventional missiles, stressing that “any attack supported by a nuclear power will be considered a joint aggression.”