Sweden and Finland are participating in NATO’s annual Steadfast Noon nuclear deterrence exercise, which began in Italy on October 13. This year’s exercise involves 17 NATO member states and is similar in scale to previous editions.
Sweden has contributed JAS 39 Gripen fighter aircraft and personnel from its armed forces. Finland, meanwhile, is participating through staff officers. Its Defence Ministry said this format best meets the country’s national objectives for the exercise.
Steadfast Noon involves allied aircraft capable of carrying nuclear weapons, known as dual-capable aircraft. No live nuclear weapons are used during the training. NATO has said the exercise is planned well in advance and is not directed against any particular country.
The participation of the two Nordic countries follows their recent accession to the alliance. Finland joined NATO in April 2023, ending decades of military non-alignment, while Sweden became a member in March 2024. Both countries applied to join after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Their involvement reflects their growing participation in NATO’s military activities. Sweden’s contribution includes fighter aircraft, while Finland has chosen a staff-level role.
Finland’s Defence Ministry has scheduled its personnel’s participation from October 12 to 24, while NATO’s exercise began on October 13. The different dates reflect Finland’s participation schedule and the start of the wider exercise.
