The United Kingdom and France have completed a landmark joint air exercise aimed at deepening nuclear defence cooperation. Known as Exercise Rummy, the operation involved Royal Air Force Typhoon fighters flying alongside French Rafale jets during a simulated nuclear strike mission.
The drill took place on 20 and 21 October 2026, with aircraft launching from the Saint-Dizier Air Base in France to operate over the Mediterranean. Although the mission involved a simulated nuclear strike, officials clarified that no nuclear weapons were used and that all activities were carried out under strict safety and security protocols. The exercise focused on improving the ability of both nations to work together and respond effectively to potential threats.
This level of cooperation is a key component of the Northwood Declaration and highlights the growing defence partnership between the two countries. As major European nuclear powers and NATO allies, the UK and France are working to bolster deterrence and maintain stability across the Euro-Atlantic region.
The exercise aligns with the UK’s ongoing commitment to invest £63 billion over the next four years into its nuclear deterrent. This investment will fund the Dreadnought and SSN-AUKUS submarine programmes, a new warhead, and the acquisition of 12 F-35A aircraft. The UK also intends to join NATO’s nuclear mission to support a more European-focused approach to collective defence.
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting noted that the exercise represents a new chapter in the nuclear relationship between the UK and France, emphasising that the partnership demonstrates the depth of their commitment to European security. Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Catherine Vautrin added that such coordination between independent nuclear forces enhances the overall security of the Alliance.
The bilateral relationship is further underpinned by the refreshed Lancaster House Agreement, which focuses on expanding joint deployable forces and developing next-generation high-tech weaponry.
