France and Britain stage first joint nuclear air strike simulation
French and British air forces have for the first time staged a joint exercise simulating a nuclear strike, the countries' defence ministries said in a statement on Friday.
The exercise, codenamed 'Rummy' and held on Tuesday, involved RAF Typhoon fighter jets alongside French Rafale aircraft over the Mediterranean Sea, the statement said.
The exercise followed security procedures, involved no actual nuclear weapons, and aimed to enhance coordination between Western Europe's two nuclear powers, the statement added.
After taking off from a base in northeastern France, "the French Rafales, escorted by RAF Typhoons, conducted a simulated nuclear strike", it said.
The exercise comes with tensions remaining high between NATO powers and nuclear-armed Russia some four-and-a-half years into Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.
France's Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin noted that "possessing independent nuclear forces does not preclude coordination."
Quoted in the French-language version of the joint statement, UK Defence Minister Wes Streeting said the exercise marks a "new chapter" in the relationship between Britain and France on nuclear defence.
"This exercise demonstrates the depth of our partnership, the credibility of our deterrents, and our determination to remain united in the face of emerging threats," he said.
source: AFP
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