# French nuclear strike exercises and UK cooperation > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/french-nuclear-strike-simulation-exercises > Updated: 2026-10-23T00:00:00.000Z. Sources: 48. Developments: 3. The French Air and Space Force continues to conduct ‘Operation Poker’, a series of military exercises held four times a year to simulate nuclear strike capabilities. Recent iterations of these drills involved approximately 50 aircraft, including Rafale fighter jets launched from the Saint-Dizier and Taverny air bases. To ensure safety, pilots utilize inert mockups that match the weight and dimensions of actual ASMP-A nuclear missiles rather than live warheads. The exercises utilize a ‘red’ and ‘blue’ opposing force structure, requiring pilots to perform complex maneuvers such as six-to-eight-hour night flights and multiple mid-air refuelings to penetrate simulated enemy defenses. General Stéphane Virem, commander of the French nuclear air forces, has noted that these high-intensity drills are being adapted to account for modern technological advancements in drones, radar, and missile systems observed in recent conflicts. Expanding beyond unilateral drills, France and the United Kingdom recently conducted ‘Rummy’, their first joint aerial nuclear deterrence exercise. Taking place on October 20–21, 2026, over the Mediterranean Sea, the mission involved Royal Air Force Typhoon jets escorting French Rafale jets launched from the Saint-Dizier air base. This exercise serves as a practical application of the Northwood Declaration, adopted in July 2025, which aims to deepen nuclear coordination between the two nations. While both countries maintain independent nuclear forces, officials from both ministries of defense emphasized that increasing interoperability is vital for European security and addressing emerging threats, particularly increasing tensions with Russia. French Minister for the Armed Forces Catherine Vautrin described the exercise as a ‘decisive milestone’ in the defense partnership, while British Defense Secretary Wes Streeting noted it reflects the ‘unity of London and Paris’ regarding European security. ## Claims - The exercise, named ‘Rummy’, involved simulating a nuclear strike over the Mediterranean Sea. (corroborated by 30 sources) - No actual nuclear weapons were used during the exercise. (corroborated by 28 sources) - France and the UK agreed in July 2025 to increase cooperation regarding their nuclear arsenals. (corroborated by 28 sources) - Aircraft took off from the Saint-Dizier air base in northeastern France. (corroborated by 27 sources) - Catherine Vautrin stated that maintaining independent nuclear forces does not exclude coordination. (corroborated by 27 sources) - The exercise follows the Northwood Declaration adopted on July 10, 2025. (corroborated by 26 sources) - British Typhoon fighter jets participated in a French nuclear exercise for the first time. (corroborated by 23 sources) - The exercise involved French Rafale jets and British Typhoon jets. (corroborated by 7 sources) - Wes Streeting stated that potential adversaries should not doubt the unity of London and Paris. (corroborated by 5 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-23: France and UK conduct first joint nuclear deterrence exercise France and the UK conducted their first joint nuclear exercise, ‘Rummy’, with RAF Typhoons escorting French Rafales during a simulated nuclear strike over the Mediterranean. 37 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uk-and-france-conduct-first-joint-aerial-nuclear-deterrence-exercise ### 2026-10-13: France conducts nuclear strike drills through Operation Poker France is openly conducting ‘Operation Poker,’ a series of nuclear strike simulations involving 50 aircraft to bolster deterrence and adapt to modern battlefield technologies. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/france-conducts-nuclear-strike-drills-through-operation-poker ### 2026-09-29: French Air Force conducts nuclear strike simulation The French Air and Space Force conducted the ‘Poker’ military exercise, simulating a nuclear strike using Rafale jets and inert missile mockups to test strategic deterrence capabilities. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/french-air-force-conducts-nuclear-strike-simulation --- Cite as: French nuclear strike exercises and UK cooperation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/french-nuclear-strike-simulation-exercises