For the first time: France and Britain conduct joint drill simulating a nuclear air strike
British and French fighter jets participated in a drill simulating a nuclear strike to enhance joint deterrence
Translated by Qiyas from الجريدة — Original source
British fighter jets participated for the first time in a drill alongside French Rafale jets simulating a nuclear strike, according to a joint statement issued on Friday by the French and British defense ministries.
The two ministries stated that “after taking off from the Saint-Dizier Air Base in northeastern France, French Rafale jets escorted Royal Air Force Typhoon jets in a simulated nuclear strike.”
The exercise was conducted as part of enhanced bilateral cooperation on nuclear deterrence, agreed upon during a summit between the leaders of the two countries in Northwood in July 2025.
British Defense Minister Wes Streeting said, as quoted in the statement, that “this training demonstrates the depth of our partnership, the credibility of our deterrence capabilities, and our determination to remain united in the face of emerging threats.”
For her part, French Army Minister Catherine Vautrin stated, “Possessing independent nuclear forces does not preclude coordination. Our nuclear cooperation with the United Kingdom is continuously deepening.”
France and the United Kingdom are the only European countries that possess nuclear weapons. London relies on submarines for its nuclear deterrence, while Paris, in addition to its nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, operates two squadrons of Rafale fighter jets capable of launching the ASMPA-R nuclear missile.
According to the statement, the joint exercise between Typhoon and Rafale jets “aimed at enhancing coordination and interoperability between British and French military personnel, as well as consolidating mutual understanding.”
The Northwood Declaration, endorsed by French President Emmanuel Macron and then-British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, stipulates that the nuclear forces of the two countries “are independent, but their operations can be coordinated, and they contribute significantly to the general security of the Alliance (NATO), and to peace and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area.”
The two countries also stated in the declaration that “there is no threat so grave to Europe that it would not warrant a response from our two countries.”
