NATO began its annual nuclear deterrence exercise Steadfast Noon, involving aircraft from 13 member states including modern fighter jets and American B-52 bombers.

NATO begins its annual nuclear deterrence exercise Steadfast Noon on Monday. Aircraft of 13 member states will take part in the training.

The Steadfast Noon exercise involves fighter jets capable of carrying nuclear warheads, but does not use live bombs.

The training is expected to last until 26 October.

NATO emphasises that the Steadfast Noon exercise is a routine training activity that has been conducted annually for over a decade.

The Alliance emphasises that the manouevres take place at least 1,000 kilometres from Russia's borders and are not linked to current world events.

NATO launched the annual Steadfast Noon nuclear deterrence exercise on October 16 involving 13 member states.

The exercise involves up to 60 aircraft, including US B-52 bombers, taking part in training flights over Italy, Croatia, and the Mediterranean Sea.