NATO has begun its two-week exercise to teach aircrews in Europe how to handle America's tactical nuclear weapons - the B61 bombs.

The exercise – Steadfast Noon – is carried out once a year at the same time.

The training area is concentrated at Brogel Air Base in Belgium, which is one of six air bases in Europe that store US tactical nuclear weapons.

Kliene Brugel Air Base in Belgium where tactical nuclear weapons are stored.

Photo: Google Earth

Practice at the same time

However, this year's NATO exercise is unique.

It is taking place at the same time as the largest conventional war is raging in Europe since the Second World War.

In addition, Russia is expected to begin an exercise with its nuclear forces shortly.

But the risk of incidents is assessed as low, despite the fact that NATO and Russia's exercises will likely take place in parallel and a major war is raging, says William Alberque, a leading international expert in the field.

- I actually think there are less risks with these kinds of exercises given the predictability that both sides have built in.

I don't think the risk of escalation is huge, given that the exercises are relatively predictable and how they are performed.

And as I said, Russia must announce when it intends to start.

Russian nuclear fallout is ruled out

Alberque at IISS has more than 25 years of experience in arms control and disarmament issues.

He previously served as head of NATO's Arms Control and Disarmament Division (ACDC).

He also rules out that Russia, despite repeated threats to use nuclear weapons, will carry out the threats. 

- It is the same tactic that President Nixon used in the Vietnam War to try to force North Vietnam to the negotiating table.

I don't think it will work this time either.

- Honestly, I would say that it is out of the question.

It is simply not believable.

Of course, Putin can decide to do that.

If he wants to.

There is nothing physically stopping him from doing so.

People may say he is not rational, but we believe he is very rational.

US F-15E fighter jet performs test to carry B61 tactical nuclear weapon.

Photo: United States Air Force stock photo

Tactical and strategic weapons

NATO's exercise is conducted with tactical nuclear weapons that can be deployed against targets on the battlefield.

They have a lower explosive effect than the strategic nuclear weapons.

Russia's Grom exercise is conducted with the strategic nuclear weapons that can be used against strategic targets on other continents – for example, military bases and major cities.

Here you can explore the world's nuclear forces.