BRUSSELS NATO will launch its annual nuclear exercise Steadfast Noon next week, alliance chief Mark Rutte said on Oct. 10 as tensions with Russia have risen after a series of air incursions by Moscow. In a video posted online Rutte stressed that the two-week drill starting on Oct. 13 was "regular" and NATO said it is not linked directly to the Kremlin's latest actions. "We need to do this because it helps us to make sure that our nuclear deterrent remains as credible, and as safe, and as secure,