MOSCOW, October 13. /TASS/. Countries under consideration for expanding the program for hosting and storing US nuclear weapons in Europe (Nuclear Sharing) are participating in the NATO exercise Steadfast Noon, taking place in Italy, Alexander Stepanov, a military expert at the Institute of Law and National Security of the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (RANEPA), told TASS.

"Italy is hosting the latest phase of the exercise, which brings together 17 participating nations, including countries potentially under consideration for expanding the Nuclear Sharing program in terms of nuclear weapons deployment," he said. The expert noted that these countries are primarily located along NATO's eastern flank--the Baltic states and Finland.

According to Stepanov, the exercise aims to ensure coordination during strategic operations, primarily involving the air force component. "These maneuvers involve 60 aircraft to provide both strategic reconnaissance capabilities and cover for the main delivery systems as part of a combined nuclear-use scenario across various sectors," the expert added.

Starting October 13, NATO is conducting nuclear deterrence exercises in Italy without the use of live munitions. Seventeen nations are participating, the NATO press service reported. It emphasized that "no live weapons are used in Steadfast Noon. The exercise is not linked to current world events and is not directed against any country."

The Steadfast Noon exercise is held annually as "part of NATO’s efforts to maintain readiness and test procedures that contribute to the Alliance’s deterrence and defense." It involves dual-capable aircraft designed to carry both conventional and nuclear munitions.