RAF Typhoon fighters joined French Rafale jets in a French nuclear air exercise for the first time, according to a UK Ministry of Defence press release published on 23 October 2026. The exercise, called "Rummy", took place from 20 to 21 October 2026 over the Mediterranean under the Northwood Declaration, the ministry said.

Launching from Saint-Dizier Air Base in France, the Rafale simulated a nuclear strike mission escorted by the Typhoons. The ministry said the exercise did not involve nuclear weapons and was conducted under safety and security arrangements. It described the drills as focused on improving how the two forces work together as NATO allies and European nuclear powers.

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting called the exercise a new chapter in the defence nuclear relationship between the two countries. French Minister of the Armed Forces and Veterans Catherine Vautrin said UK Typhoons had participated in a French nuclear exercise for the first time. The release also cited plans to invest £63 billion over four years in the UK's nuclear deterrent and to buy 12 F-35A aircraft. Both countries retain sovereign, independent nuclear forces.