The Government of the UK announced on Friday that RAF Typhoon fighters have taken part in a French nuclear air exercise for the first time. The British Air Force aircraft flew alongside the French Rafale jets, according to the statement.
The exercise, named “Rummy”, marked a milestone in UK-France defense cooperation under the Northwood Declaration, a bilateral agreement between the UK and France to coordinate their nuclear deterrence strategies.
The exercise did not involve nuclear weapons, the UK Government highlighted. Instead, the exercise focused on improving the way British and French forces work together. French Rafale simulated a nuclear strike mission, launching from Saint-Dizier Air Base in France, and was then escorted by RAF Typhoons.
The exercise complements current British efforts to contribute to European collective defense and nuclear security. The government intends to invest £63 billion over the next four years to strengthen the country’s nuclear deterrent, funding Dreadnought and SSN-AUKUS submarines, a new warhead, and other nuclear work. The UK also plans to procure 12 F-35A aircraft and join NATO’s nuclear mission.