UK, France Hold First Joint Nuclear Exercise

RAF Typhoon fighters have joined French Rafale jets in a French nuclear exercise for the first time.

Exercise “Rummy” saw British and French forces operate side by side over the Mediterranean. Launching from Saint-Dizier Air Base, French Rafale simulated a nuclear strike mission, escorted by RAF Typhoons. The exercise did not involve nuclear weapons. It focused on improving how the two forces work together.

The exercise complements the UK’s plan to invest £63 billion over the next four years to strengthen its nuclear deterrent, funding Dreadnought and SSN-AUKUS submarines and a new warhead. The UK will also buy 12 F-35A aircraft and join NATO’s nuclear mission.

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said: “This exercise marks a new chapter in the defence nuclear relationship between the United Kingdom and France.”

“As Europe’s nuclear powers, we have a shared responsibility to contribute to the security and stability of the Euro-Atlantic region. This exercise demonstrates the depth of our partnership, the credibility of our deterrents and our determination to stand together in the face of emerging threats.”

"Having independent nuclear forces does not exclude coordination," said Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Catherine Vautrin. “Through coordination, our nuclear forces demonstrate that they can contribute even more significantly to the overall security of the Alliance and to the peace and stability of the Euro Atlantic area.”