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UK and France Conduct First Joint Nuclear Deterrent Exercise

By Drooid · Oct 23, 2026, 3:03 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

France and the United Kingdom conducted their first joint exercise of France's airborne nuclear deterrent.
British Typhoon fighters escorted French Rafale jets from Saint-Dizier during the "Rummy" drill.
French Armed Forces Minister Catherine Vautrin said independent nuclear forces can still coordinate.
British Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said the exercise shows the UK and France stand together.
France spends €5.6 billion ($6.04 billion) annually to maintain its 290 nuclear weapons stockpile.

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Story summary

France and the United Kingdom conducted their first joint exercise of France's airborne nuclear deterrent.
British Typhoon fighters escorted French Rafale jets from Saint-Dizier during the "Rummy" drill.
French Armed Forces Minister Catherine Vautrin said independent nuclear forces can still coordinate.
British Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said the exercise shows the UK and France stand together.
France spends €5.6 billion ($6.04 billion) annually to maintain its 290 nuclear weapons stockpile.