Sweden joins NATO’s annual nuclear exercise

Sweden will take part in NATO’s annual nuclear exercise, Steadfast Noon, with Gripen fighter jets and staff officers, SVT reports. The exercise will run from October 12 to 24 in Italy, and no live nuclear weapons will be used.

Sweden’s Gripen aircraft will protect and escort fighter jets from other European countries as they practise carrying nuclear weapons. Seventeen nations are due to take part.

Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said Sweden’s participation contributes to the security of the alliance. Defence Minister Pål Jonson described the exercise as a routine demonstration of NATO’s ability and readiness to protect its members.

NATO said the exercise is not prompted by any specific event.