A Dutch F-35 jet roared off the runway Tuesday at Volkel airbase in the Netherlands as part of NATO's annual nuclear exercise Steadfast Noon.

The long-planned drill, which involves no live nuclear bombs, is routine practice for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to ensure it is ready to use its ultimate weapon if necessary.

As tensions have risen with Russia over the war in Ukraine and repeated air incursions, it is now also an unmistakable message to Moscow of NATO's potential might.

For the first time, NATO this year allowed a small group of journalists including AFP on site during the two-week exercise.

Involving over 70 aircraft from 14 countries and some 2,000 personnel, the 2025 iteration of the drill is focused on the North Sea region.

The press invitation was part of the W

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