France conducts 'Poker' nuclear drill to test deterrence against Russia
Mar 19th 2026
A night exercise simulated a nuclear strike in contested conditions with about 40 aircraft and tested operations against systems modelled on Russia's S-400 as part of France's expanded deterrence approach with European partners.
- France ran the 'Poker' exercise with about 40 aircraft, including Rafale, Mirage 2000, AWACS and A330 MRTT tankers.
- The scenario simulated a nuclear strike mission in a degraded communications environment and under heavy air defence pressure.
- Training included operations against advanced systems modelled on Russia's S-400, signalling Russia as the primary audience.
- The drill is part of President Macron's 'advanced deterrence' concept that allows limited practical involvement by European partners without sharing nuclear decision making.
- The United Kingdom has taken part so far and other European countries have expressed interest to boost interoperability and understanding of deterrence.