British and French jets participated in their first joint exercise over the Mediterranean, highlighting their cooperation amid tensions with Russia. In July 2025, both nations agreed to strengthen coordination on their nuclear arsenals due to rising threats to Europe and uncertainty regarding the United States.
French Armed Forces Minister Catherine Vautrin stated that independent nuclear forces do not prevent collaboration. During the exercise called “Rummy,” British Typhoons flew alongside French Rafales, simulating a nuclear strike. British Defence Secretary Wes Streeting emphasized the unity of the UK and France in ensuring European security and maintaining deterrence.
In March, French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans to expand France’s nuclear arsenal and proposed joint exercises with European partners, potentially allowing French nuclear-capable assets to be deployed temporarily on their territory. France maintains 290 nuclear weapons, while Britain has 225, compared to Russia and the United States, which each possess over 5,000 nuclear warheads.
With information from Reuters
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