The UK and France will jointly lead Exercise Koalicja, the first major exercise by the Multinational Force Ukraine (MNF-U), in Poland from 9 to 22 November. About 2,800 personnel from 11 countries will test command arrangements and practise moving, protecting and supplying a multinational force intended to support Ukraine after hostilities end. The planned exercise includes British Army, Royal Air Force and Turkish maritime activity; it is not a deployment into Ukraine.
Some 300 British personnel will take part, including soldiers from the Army’s 7 Brigade, who will rehearse logistical movements. RAF Typhoons and a Voyager refuelling aircraft will fly sorties, including a simulation of reassurance for commercial aviation if Ukrainian airspace reopens. Turkish forces will establish the MNF-U maritime element in Istanbul and test mine-clearance arrangements intended to support the return of commercial shipping to Ukrainian ports.
The participating nations are Belgium, Estonia, France, Germany, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Türkiye and the UK. The exercise will assess how the force’s components operate together and whether they can coordinate the movement and sustainment of personnel and equipment.
The UK government’s stated plan is for the MNF-U to enter Ukraine only after hostilities cease and at the request of the Ukrainian government. The force would support the regeneration of Ukraine’s armed forces and safer skies and seas, but would not conduct peacekeeping or monitor a ceasefire. Koalicja tests preparations for that potential mission; it does not establish that the force will deploy.