France and UK Hold First-Ever Joint Nuclear Military Exercise

France and UK Conduct Joint Nuclear Military Exercise for the First Time in History

October 24

At a time when the Washington administration has been increasingly urging European countries to take greater responsibility for their own regional security, French defense officials announced that France, together with British forces, has successfully carried out a joint nuclear military exercise for the first time in history.

The exercise, conducted for the first time using fighter jets, was held over the Mediterranean airspace for two days, from October 22 to 23.

During the exercise, British Typhoon fighter jets took part alongside France's Rafale fighter jets, and with air defense protection provided by the British fighter jets, the French fighter jets jointly demonstrated an aerial exercise simulating a nuclear weapons strike.

French Defense Minister Catherine Vautrin said the exercise demonstrated in practice that the two countries' nuclear forces can contribute more effectively than before to regional security, including that of NATO.

British Defense Secretary Wes Streeting also commented that the exercise opened "a new page" in nuclear defense cooperation between the two countries and highlighted their determination to stand united in the face of modern threats.

It is reported that the French government is pushing forward in a key role to expand nuclear deterrent capability within Europe, and that diplomatic discussions on the matter are continuing with the UK, Germany, and Poland.

Ref: NHK
Photo: French Air and Space Force

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