France and the United Kingdom carry out their first joint airborne nuclear-strike drill, simulating a nuclear attack during exercises over the Mediterranean. Multiple outlets say the exercise took place on Tuesday and was announced as a milestone for coordination between the two countries’ strategic air forces.
The drills involve French Rafale aircraft, described as capable of carrying nuclear weapons, alongside British RAF Typhoon jets. In some accounts, the British aircraft are said to escort the French planes for protection against potential air threats, while the operation is commonly referred to with the codename “Rummy.” Outlets also stress that no actual nuclear weapons are used.
Defense News and other reports frame the move as a significant change in how the countries operate, noting that the strategic air forces have historically operated with autonomy since their creation in the 1960s. Other coverage focuses more directly on the operational cooperation aspect, presenting the exercise as a step to enhance interoperability between Western Europe’s two nuclear powers.
