France conducts nuclear strike drills through Operation Poker

France has revealed the existence of ‘Operation Poker,’ a series of military exercises conducted four times a year to simulate nuclear strikes against an enemy state. General Stéphane Virem, commander of the French nuclear air forces, provided details on the drills, noting that approximately 50 military aircraft participate in these maneuvers.

During the exercises, crews simulate the launch of the ASMPA-R nuclear cruise missile to test their ability to penetrate advanced enemy air defenses. The French military is adapting these drills based on combat experiences from conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, specifically accounting for advancements in drones, radar, and missile technology.

These maneuvers serve as a strategic signal of deterrence, particularly toward Russia, amid rising tensions and uncertainty regarding long-term American security commitments in Europe. General Virem emphasized that the exercises are conducted as realistic, high-intensity operations to ensure France can protect its vital interests in the event of a conflict.