The UK Defence Nuclear Enterprise described the exercise as “a landmark moment” in Franco-British defence relations. In a social media post, it said the exercise marked a significant advance in coordination between Europe’s only two nuclear powers.
The Rafales took off from Saint-Dizier Air Base in eastern France, with the British jets flying as escorts. The UK Ministry of Defence said no nuclear weapons were involved.
According to the ministry, the aim was to improve how the two air forces work together, and the exercise showed they are ready to respond jointly to serious threats.
“This exercise marks a new chapter in the defence nuclear relationship between the United Kingdom and France,” said Defence Secretary Wes Streeting. “As Europe’s nuclear powers, we have a shared responsibility to contribute to the security and stability of the Euro-Atlantic region.
Paris was keen to stress that working more closely with London does not mean giving up control of its own nuclear forces.
“Having independent nuclear forces does not exclude coordination,” said Catherine Vautrin, France’s Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans. “Our nuclear cooperation with the United Kingdom keeps deepening: on Tuesday night, UK Typhoons participated for the very first time [in] a French nuclear exercise alongside Rafales.”
Streeting said the exercise showed both the depth of the partnership and the credibility of the two countries’ deterrents. The Defence Nuclear Enterprise linked it to a shared commitment to European security, collective defence and credible deterrence at a time of growing threats.
The UK has committed £63 billion over four years to nuclear defence, covering the Dreadnought and SSN-AUKUS submarine programmes, a new warhead and other work. It also plans to buy 12 F-35A jets and join NATO’s nuclear mission.
More broadly, UK-French defence ties are governed by the refreshed Lancaster House Agreement, which provides for a larger joint deployable force, deeper nuclear cooperation and joint work on next-generation weapons.
