UK Royal Air Force Typhoon fighters joined a French nuclear air exercise for the first time, flying alongside French Rafale jets. Exercise Rummy took place over the Mediterranean on 20–21 October.
French Rafale crews launched from Saint-Dizier Air Base and simulated a nuclear strike mission, escorted by British Typhoons. The UK Ministry of Defence said the exercise did not involve nuclear weapons.
The ministry described the exercise as a significant step in UK-France defence cooperation under the Northwood Declaration.
UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said the exercise marked a new chapter in the countries’ nuclear defence relationship. France’s Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans, Catherine Vautrin, said independent nuclear forces could still coordinate.
The UK said the exercise complemented its plans to strengthen its nuclear deterrent. It plans to invest £63 billion over the next four years, including in Dreadnought and SSN-AUKUS submarines, a new warhead and other nuclear work.
The two countries’ defence partnership is also underpinned by the refreshed Lancaster House Agreement. The UK and France are NATO allies and Europe’s nuclear powers.
