Poland and France are planning drills over the Baltic Sea and northern Poland that will rehearse a scenario involving strikes on Belarus and Russia, including a simulation of the use of nuclear weapons, Rzeczpospolita reports.
Under the exercise scenario, Polish pilots will carry out long-range reconnaissance, target detection, and conventional strike missions—primarily using JASSM-ER cruise missiles operated by F-16 fighter jets. The French side will focus on simulating the use of ASMP missiles with nuclear warheads.
The drills are being viewed as part of the expansion of France’s “nuclear umbrella,” announced in response to the threat from Russia, as well as a consequence of changes in strategic doctrine that Emmanuel Macron outlined on March 2.
French aircraft capable of carrying nuclear weapons are expected to enter Polish airspace periodically. Any decision on the possible use of such weapons, however, remains the exclusive prerogative of the French president.
The emerging Polish-French military cooperation is reportedly being structured outside NATO procedures in order to speed up decision-making.
Against this backdrop, Russia has recently been resorting with increasing frequency to nuclear threats against Europe.
France’s nuclear arsenal is estimated at about 290 warheads, while Russia’s stands at roughly 5,500.