Operation Poker (Red team)

Poker exercises aim to train the Strategic Air Force (FAS) and the combat and support aircraft that could be deployed for a nuclear air strike, thus reiterating France's nuclear capabilities.

A typical Poker exercise takes place in three phases:

1. **Ramp-up**: Approximately 50 combat and support aircraft are mobilized, divided into two forces (strategic strike force and opposition force). The aircraft assemble and prepare for the operation.

2. **Long-range raid**: The aircraft simulate a long-range strategic air raid, with several in-flight refuelings over Brittany, then head south to the Mediterranean.

3. **Nuclear raid**: This is the offensive phase where the opposition force attempts to prevent the FAS aircraft from reaching a drop point simulating a nuclear attack, requiring low-altitude flights to avoid detection.

The poster shown here is the "Red Team" version, that is, the team aiming to counter the nuclear raid.