British Royal Air Force Typhoons have joined a French exercise involving its airborne nuclear deterrent for the first time, marking a new stage in defence coordination between the two European nuclear powers. French Armed Forces Minister Catherine Vautrin said the British jets flew alongside French Rafales during the “Rummy” drill on Tuesday evening. The aircraft departed from Saint-Dizier air base in northeastern France, and the scenario simulated a nuclear strike.
The participation builds on the Northwood agreement signed by London and Paris in July 2025. It provides for closer coordination between their nuclear deterrents while preserving separate national control over any decision to use nuclear weapons. The exercise does not create a joint European arsenal; each country retains its own command authority.
The drill comes as European governments debate how to strengthen deterrence amid Russia’s war against Ukraine and uncertainty over the long-term shape of US security commitments. In March, French President Emmanuel Macron proposed widening the European dimension of France’s nuclear deterrent and invited partners to explore closer cooperation.
