The French and British defense ministries announced in a joint statement today, Friday, that British fighter jets participated for the first time on Tuesday evening in nuclear drills alongside French fighters.
The statement, which was reviewed by the "News Video Agency," said, "After taking off from Saint-Dizier Air Base in northeastern France, French Rafale aircraft accompanied British Royal Air Force Typhoon fighters to simulate a nuclear strike."
This exercise came within the framework of enhanced cooperation between the two countries in nuclear deterrence, which was agreed upon during a summit between the leaders of the two countries in Northwood in July 2025.
According to the "Telegraph," French Rafale aircraft practiced simulating a nuclear strike, while British Typhoon aircraft provided escort and protection tasks during the exercise.
This joint exercise comes at a time when Europe is experiencing increasing discussions about enhancing European nuclear coordination, amid ongoing tensions with Russia and growing doubts about the future of the American nuclear umbrella.
The French strategic air forces conduct "Operation Boker" approximately four times a year, which involves simulating a breach of enemy air defenses and executing a nuclear cruise missile strike without carrying real warheads.
Last December, British officials attended one of these exercises as observers for the first time, and France conducted a limited exercise with German Eurofighter aircraft during the last summer.