The military alliance started its annual nuclear exercise "Steadfast Noon" with up to 60 aircraft taking part on Monday.

"Steadfast Noon" will see more than 60 aircraft, including nuclear-capable fighter jets, carry out training flights over western Europe.

MOSCOW (Reuters) - The Kremlin said that NATO's annual nuclear exercise involving nuclear-capable military aircraft, which began on Monday, was fuelling tensions in light of the "hot war" unfolding in Ukraine.

NATO has commenced the Steadfast Noon exercises, simulating the use of nuclear weapons. The Alliance is showcasing its capabilities in response to Putin's threats by deploying over 60 various types of aircraft across Europe.

Sahra Wagenknecht warned that if "NATO becomes party" to the Russia-Ukraine war it will escalate into a "nuclear confrontation."

All the aircraft taking part in the Steadfast Noon exercise are fighter jets capable of carrying the United States’ nuclear warheads. However, no live weapons will be used durin

This Monday, NATO launches its annual nuclear exercise, “Steadfast Noon,” a large-scale operation involving more than 60 aircraft and 2,000 troops over the course of two weeks. Though no real weapons will be used,

This year's Steadfast Noon exercises will primarily take place over the host countries, Belgium and the Netherlands, with additional flights over Denmark, the United Kingdom, and the North Sea, NATO said.