British and French air forces simulate carrying out a nuclear strike in first-ever joint exercise
The British and French air forces have staged their first joint exercise simulating a nuclear strike, with RAF Typhoons escorting French Rafale jets over the Mediterranean. The drill is intended to improve coordination between Europe’s two nuclear-armed powers and reinforce their shared commitment to European security.
Codenamed “Rummy”, the exercise took place on Tuesday evening after the French aircraft took off from Saint-Dizier air base. France’s armed forces ministry said it followed security procedures and involved no nuclear weapons; no fictional adversary was identified. France maintains 290 nuclear weapons and spends about €5.6 billion (£4.69 billion) a year on its arsenal, while Russia and the United States each have more than 5,000.
In short
- Britain and France held their first joint simulated nuclear strike exercise.
- RAF Typhoons escorted French Rafales over the Mediterranean.
- The drill used no nuclear weapons and aimed to improve coordination.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters could argue that practising together helps Britain and France coordinate their nuclear forces, strengthening deterrence and reassuring allies amid security threats. Because the exercise used no weapons, it can be seen as a controlled way to improve readiness and demonstrate a shared commitment to European security.
The case against
Critics could argue that rehearsing a nuclear strike risks normalising the use of weapons with catastrophic consequences and may heighten tensions, even without an identified adversary. They could also question whether the exercise improves security enough to justify its costs and the danger that displays of readiness may be misread or provoke escalation.