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France and Britain have conducted their first joint military exercise simulating a nuclear strike, marking a significant step in defence cooperation between Western Europe’s two nuclear-armed countries.
The exercise, codenamed “Rummy,” took place on Tuesday over the Mediterranean Sea and involved British Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter jets and French Rafale aircraft, according to a joint statement from both countries’ defence ministries.
French Rafale jets took off from a military base in northeastern France before carrying out a simulated nuclear strike while being escorted by RAF Typhoons. Officials said no nuclear weapons were used during the operation and that the exercise followed established security procedures.
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The drill was designed to strengthen coordination between the French and British air forces and test how both countries could work together in nuclear deterrence operations.
The exercise comes as European governments continue to review their defence strategies following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and wider questions over nuclear security within NATO.
France is the European Union’s only nuclear-armed member following Britain’s departure from the bloc. French President Emmanuel Macron has previously proposed discussions with European allies over how France’s nuclear deterrent could contribute to wider continental security.
French Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin said maintaining an independent nuclear capability does not prevent countries from coordinating with allies. She said the exercise showed how the French and British nuclear forces could contribute more to NATO security.
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UK Defence Minister Wes Streeting described the operation as a “new chapter” in nuclear defence cooperation between London and Paris.
“This exercise demonstrates the depth of our partnership, the credibility of our deterrents, and our determination to remain united in the face of emerging threats,” Streeting said.
The joint France-UK nuclear exercise signals closer military cooperation as European governments reassess defence planning and deterrence capabilities.
