France and Poland will conduct fighter jet exercises over the Baltic Sea
France and Poland are preparing joint air force exercises in the Baltic region involving Rafale fighter jets capable of carrying nuclear missiles. During the exercises, they plan to practice, among other things, simulated strikes on targets within Russian territory.
This was reported by Wirtualna Polska.
Details of the exercises and a shift in doctrine
According to the publication, the exercises will take place on NATO’s eastern flank, specifically over the Baltic Sea and in northern Poland.
According to the scenario, Polish pilots in F-16s will conduct reconnaissance and target identification, while French Rafale Bs will simulate the use of ASMP nuclear missiles.
The fighters are capable of flying from France to the Budapest-Königsberg line to attack targets in Russia and Belarus.
This cooperation became possible thanks to the update of France’s strategic doctrine, which President Emmanuel Macron announced in March in Brest.
The decision extends France’s “nuclear umbrella” to European allies facing Russian aggression. It is noted, however, that nuclear warheads will not be permanently stationed in Poland but will be deployed periodically during exercises.
Defense Beyond NATO Bureaucracy
As noted by the WP, a key feature of the Polish-French cooperation is the creation of a military unit that will operate outside the standard NATO bureaucracy.
This is intended to ensure maximum speed in decision-making in the event of a Russian attack, without waiting for lengthy discussions under Article 5 of the Alliance. The final decision on the use of nuclear weapons rests solely with the President of France.
In addition to aviation exercises, Paris has proposed joint work with Warsaw in the field of satellite intelligence.
Currently, France’s nuclear arsenal consists of 290 warheads, and its air component is based on two Rafale squadrons.
France and Polandare discussing joint nuclear exercises — Politico.
Next week, Paris and Athens will officially renew their bilateral security agreement, extending its term for the next five years.
The French Ministry of Defense has joined forces with industrial giants Turgis Gaillard and Renault to create a new strike drone called “Chorus.”
