The French exercise “Poker 2025” is currently underway, launched by the Armée de l’Air et de l’Espace to simulate a strategic air raid over France. These exercises aim to train the Strategic Air Forces (FAS) and other combat and support aircraft that could be deployed in the event of an airborne nuclear attack, while also highlighting France’s nuclear capabilities.
The operation involves approximately 50 aircraft, including Rafale and Mirage fighters, A330 MRTT aerial refuelers, and an E-3F Sentry airborne warning and control aircraft. A typical “Poker” exercise consists of three phases:
- Preparation: Gathering and preparing the aircraft, divided into a strategic attack force and an opposition force (OPFOR).
- Long-range raid: Simulation of a strategic air raid with in-flight refueling over specific areas of France, followed by a route south towards the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean.
- Simulated nuclear attack: Offensive phase in which the attack force attempts to reach a simulated missile release point while the OPFOR tries to prevent it, often involving low-altitude flights to evade detection.
These exercises are essential for maintaining the operational effectiveness of France’s nuclear forces and demonstrating their readiness.
Leave a comment