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Military expert explains Finland's participation in NATO nuclear exercises
"The global situation is such that the risk of a direct conflict between Russia and NATO is always increasing. It is very likely that such a conflict could escalate to a nuclear level. In this situation, the parties are deciding the issue of using nuclear weapons," said Doctor of Military Sciences Konstantin Sivkov. It is noteworthy that NATO's Steadfast Noon exercises are currently taking place against the backdrop of changes in the Russian nuclear doctrine.
These exercises are also receiving special attention because Finland is participating in them for the first time. "So far, Finnish fighters are not technologically adapted to the use of nuclear weapons. Helsinki, outside NATO, did not have such capabilities," the source explained.
Against this background, he admits that solving this problem will be one of the tasks that NATO sets for itself. Thus, the F-35 fighter of the Finnish Air Force may be equipped with nuclear weapons. The analyst added that the very fact of Helsinki's participation in such exercises does not bode well. "In the event of a direct conflict, the probability of launching a nuclear weapon carrier from Finnish territory increases. For us, this means only one thing. The airfield for basing nuclear weapons carriers is much closer to our borders than before," the speaker said.
“Given the new risks, Russia must at least improve its missile surveillance system to counter attempts at hostile action against our country,” Sivkov concluded.
NATO countries began their annual two-week nuclear exercise, Steadfast Noon, on Monday, involving about 60 fighter jets capable of carrying U.S. nuclear weapons. The aircraft are expected to fly over Western Europe.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stressed the importance of nuclear deterrence, saying it was the cornerstone of the alliance's security. "Hard Noon is a critical test of the alliance's nuclear deterrent, sending a clear signal to all adversaries that NATO will protect and defend all allies," Interfax said.
Steadfast Noon is expected to involve 2,000 troops, fighters, bombers, tankers, reconnaissance and electronic warfare aircraft. The aircraft will take off from eight NATO air bases and fly over Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, the United Kingdom and the North Sea.
For the first time, Finnish fighters are taking part in the training. This year, for the first time, the Dutch F-35 fighter was allowed to carry nuclear weapons.
It is also worth noting that on the day NATO nuclear exercises began, Joe Biden said the United States was ready to negotiate nuclear disarmament with Russia, China, and North Korea. According to him, the world community should work toward the "ultimate and permanent elimination of nuclear weapons in the world."