British Typhoons join French nuclear exercise 'Rami' over the Mediterranean
RAF Typhoons flew with French Rafales after a July 2025 pact to deepen cooperation on nuclear forces.
British Typhoons flew alongside French Rafales over the Mediterranean in what French authorities described as the first time Royal Air Force jets took part in a French nuclear-capable air exercise.
The operation involved aircraft taking off from the Saint-Dizier air base in northeastern France and simulating a nuclear strike during an exercise named "Rami", the French Ministry of the Armed Forces said.
Joint drills after a policy shift
The flight comes after the two allies agreed in July 2025 to deepen cooperation on their nuclear arsenals in response to growing threats facing Europe. Officials framed the sortie as a practical step to strengthen interoperability between the two air forces.
French Minister for the Armed Forces Catherine Vautrin said: "Independent nuclear powers do not rule out coordination. Our nuclear cooperation with the United Kingdom continues to deepen: On Tuesday evening, British 'Typhoons' took part for the first time in a French nuclear exercise with Rafale combat aircraft."
British Defence Secretary Wes Streeting added: "In a more dangerous world, our adversaries must not doubt: the United Kingdom and France stand together in their commitment to European security and the deterrence that for generations has preserved peace."
Photo: press material from the event
