British jets join French nuclear exercise for first time

Key facts

• British Typhoons participated in a French nuclear exercise for the first time.
• The joint exercise simulated a nuclear strike.
• France maintains an arsenal of 290 submarine- and air-launched nuclear weapons.
• Britain possesses 225 nuclear warheads.

British and French jets flew together over the Mediterranean in their first joint exercise involving France's airborne nuclear capability, Paris said on Friday. The exercise, dubbed "Rummy", saw British Typhoons escort French Rafales simulating a nuclear strike after taking off from the Saint-Dizier air base. The allies agreed in July 2025 to reinforce cooperation over their nuclear arsenals in response to growing threats to Europe and uncertainty over their US ally. France spends roughly €5.6 billion ($6.04 billion) a year to maintain its stockpile of 290 submarine- and air-launched weapons, while Britain has 225 nuclear warheads.