RAF Typhoons on Exercise Rummy were tasked in a conventional Offensive Counter Air role, escorting French Air Force strike aircraft and protecting them from simulated adversaries, according to Armed Forces Minister Louise Sandher-Jones.
Ben Obese-Jecty, the Conservative MP for Huntingdon, asked about the scope of RAF involvement alongside the airborne nuclear component of the French air force.
Sandher-Jones replied:
“Under the Northwood Declaration, the UK and France are strengthening their coordination and deepening their collaboration across nuclear policy, operations and capabilities. We welcome the progress we are making on implementation, and this activity is a practical demonstration of the Northwood Declaration in action, underpinning political commitment with tangible Defence cooperation between the UK and France.
“Conducted under robust safety and security arrangements, the Exercise RUMMY focused on improving how our forces work together. The RAF Typhoon aircraft were tasked in the conventional Offensive Counter Air role, to escort and protect French Air Force strike aircraft from simulated adversaries. This demonstrated that British and French forces are ready and able to operate together to protect shared interests and contribute to collective security.”
The exercise ran over 20 and 21 October over the Mediterranean, with Rafales launching from Saint-Dizier to simulate a nuclear strike mission. No nuclear weapons were involved, and the government said it was the first time British aircraft had taken part in a French nuclear exercise.
The Northwood Declaration, signed last year, set up a joint nuclear steering group to coordinate policy, capabilities and operations, while each country keeps sovereign, independent nuclear forces and decision-making.
