AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- NATO will launch its long-planned annual exercise "Steadfast Noon" on Monday, October 16, 2023, with up to 60 aircraft taking part in training flights over southern Europe.
The exercise is a routine training activity that has been conducted annually for over a decade. The maneuvers will involve 13 Allied countries and a mix of aircraft types. A different NATO Ally hosts Steadfast Noon each year. Training flights will take place over Italy, Croatia and the Mediterranean Sea.
“It is important to work with our Italian partners in a NATO environment and to have a common understanding on tactics and procedures as we all have a unique role to play,” said U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen Tad Clark, 31st Fighter Wing Commander. “We will be evaluated by NATO inspectors on our capability to work together.”