France And The United Kingdom Conducted Their First Joint Nuclear Exercises
- 23.10.2026, 15:16
This marked a new strategic phase.
The French and British air forces conducted their first joint nuclear exercises, marking a new phase in the strategic rapprochement between the two European nuclear powers.
This was announced by French Defense Minister Catherine Vautrin in X.
According to the French defense minister, French and British fighter jets conducted joint exercises for the first time.
“For the first time, Typhoon fighter jets from the Royal Air Force of the United Kingdom joined Rafale fighter jets from the French Air and Space Forces to participate in exercises organized by the strategic air forces of the nuclear aviation component. This is a decisive step in defense cooperation between France and the United Kingdom, demonstrating the coordination and commitment of the two European nuclear powers to European security and a credible deterrent,” Vautrin wrote.
Taking off from the Saint-Dizier Air Base in northeastern France, the French aircraft escorted British fighter jets during a simulated nuclear strike as part of the “Rummy” exercises, the Ministry of Defense reported.
“In a world that is becoming increasingly dangerous, our adversaries must have no doubt: the United Kingdom and France stand united in their commitment to European security and to supporting the deterrence that has helped preserve peace for generations,” said British Defense Minister Wes Stritting, as quoted by Reuters.
The Northwood Agreement, signed on July 10, 2025, by France and the United Kingdom, serves as the operational framework for this nuclear cooperation. This agreement provides for strategic and doctrinal coordination between Europe’s only nuclear powers to counter new threats on the continent. At the same time, each country retains its independence and full command sovereignty.
In March, French President Emmanuel Macron presented a new nuclear doctrine aimed at strengthening the European dimension of France’s nuclear deterrence in light of evolving strategic threats.
This initiative is based on a fundamental principle: to expand cooperation with European partners without calling national sovereignty into question. About ten European countries have joined this initiative on enhanced deterrence or have expressed interest in it. Among them are, in particular, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Finland.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz previously emphasized that a potential European “nuclear umbrella” should complement the existing U.S. nuclear shield.