RAF Typhoons Join French Rafales in Mediterranean Exercise RUMMY

RAF Eurofighter Typhoons escorted French Rafale fighters during a simulated strike in Exercise RUMMY over the Mediterranean, AeroTime reported. The activity formed part of a joint exercise involving the UK’s Royal Air Force and France’s Strategic Air Forces.

Key details

- AeroTime reported that French Rafales departed from Saint-Dizier Air Base. - The report described the exercise as the first participation by British aircraft in a French nuclear deterrence exercise. - AeroTime said a joint Franco-British statement issued October 23 said the exercise involved no nuclear weapons. - The report did not identify the aircraft total or participating RAF units.

AeroTime reported that RAF Typhoons escorted French Rafales during the simulated strike, with no nuclear weapons used.

Why it matters

AeroTime said the exercise aimed to develop coordination between the RAF and France’s Strategic Air Forces. The report also linked the activity to the countries’ Nuclear Steering Group, established under the Northwood Declaration signed by French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on July 10, 2025. It said French control over its nuclear weapons and decisions about their use remains exclusive.

What happens next

AeroTime did not report a further exercise date or next milestone.