NATO will begin its annual nuclear deterrence exercise in Italy on Tuesday, with 17 member countries taking part as tensions with Russia continue to raise concerns over nuclear security.

The ‘Steadfast Noon’ exercise will be held from October 13 to 23. NATO has described the drills as a routine, pre-planned training exercise aimed at maintaining the alliance's readiness and testing procedures linked to its deterrence and defence capabilities.

The exercise comes against the backdrop of Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine and growing tensions between Moscow and NATO.

What is NATO's Steadfast Noon exercise?

NATO said Steadfast Noon is designed to help the alliance maintain a credible nuclear deterrence capability and ensure that its procedures remain effective.

The alliance stressed that no live nuclear weapons will be used during the exercise. It also said the drills were not organised in response to current global events and were not directed at any particular country.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the exercise reflects the alliance's defensive purpose and helps ensure a "safe, secure, effective, and credible capability" to preserve peace, prevent coercion and deter aggression.

He also described the drills as a demonstration of NATO's unity and resolve.

Russia tensions add significance to the drills

The annual exercise is taking place as relations between Russia and NATO remain strained by the war in Ukraine.

Russia has accused NATO of carrying out what it considers provocative activity around its exclave of Kaliningrad. Moscow has also warned that it is prepared to use its "entire arsenal".

NATO has condemned those remarks. However, alliance officials said they have not observed major changes in Russia's nuclear posture.

Against that backdrop, the start of Steadfast Noon is likely to draw attention despite NATO's insistence that the exercise was planned well in advance and is part of its regular training programme.

The drills will run for 11 days, with 17 nations participating in the exercise in Italy.

With AFP inputs