Multi-Agency Nuclear Exercise Set for New York This Week
A large-scale nuclear training exercise is scheduled to take place in New York State from January 26 to 31, the FBI announced. The drill will cover Schenectady, Albany, and Saratoga Counties, with primary activities centered around Albany International Airport, Stratton Air National Guard Base, and select fire departments in northern Saratoga County.
The exercise, set to begin visible activities on Monday, simulates a nuclear event as part of the U.S. government’s regularly scheduled biannual drills since 2012. Residents may notice participants wearing protective gear and the presence of military personnel, vehicles, and aircraft in affected areas.
“This is not a response to any recent or ongoing events,” FBI Albany Public Affairs Officer Sarah Ruane clarified. Instead, it aims to enhance operational readiness for responding to nuclear incidents domestically or overseas. The drill involves the National Technical Nuclear Forensics Ground Collection Task Force, practicing collection of nuclear debris samples for analysis at national laboratories.
The U.S. regularly conducts such exercises, with one notable recent instance being Global Thunder 25 (GT25) led by the US Strategic Command in October. Last week, President Donald Trump expressed interest in holding talks with Russia and China about reducing nuclear weapons stockpiles, citing the expense of maintaining America’s arsenal.
The exercise poses no threat to the public and is designed to prepare agencies for potential nuclear incidents.