NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg (Photo: VNA)

The exercise, called “Steadfast Noon,” is held annually and usually lasts about one week. It involves fighter jets capable of carrying nuclear warheads but does not involve any live bombs. Conventional jets, and surveillance and refueling aircraft also routinely take part.
Fourteen of the 30 NATO members will be involved in the exercise. The main part of the maneuvers will take place more than 1,000 kilometers from Russia, a NATO official said.