Two French Nuclear Rafale Jets Deployed in Germany: A First Since 1945

For the first time since 1945, two French Rafale jets carrying nuclear weapons conducted aerial refueling in Germany, escorted by German Eurofighters. The Poker exercise, simulating a nuclear strike, now includes German participation following an announcement by Friedrich Merz. This move aligns with Emmanuel Macron's advanced deterrence doctrine, despite the cancellation of the SCAF project and Germany's continued commitment to NATO.