Exercise Koalicja in Poland: 2,800 troops from 11 nations to rehearse a post-war Ukraine mission

The UK and France will jointly lead Exercise Koalicja in Poland, designed to prepare allies for operations in Ukraine once the fighting ends. The UK Ministry of Defence announced it on 3 November 2026.

What we know about the exercise

The exercise runs from 9 to 22 November 2026. It will involve 2,800 troops on land, in the air and at sea. It is the first major exercise of the Multinational Force Ukraine (MNF-U), the military arm of the so-called Coalition of the Willing. The group is made up of countries that have pledged stronger military, economic and diplomatic support for Ukraine.

Eleven nations are taking part: Belgium, Estonia, France, Germany, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Türkiye and the UK. The UK is contributing 300 personnel. Soldiers from 7 Brigade (the "Desert Rats") will rehearse logistical movements, while RAF Typhoon jets and a Voyager refuelling aircraft will fly sorties. They will simulate reassuring commercial air travel once Ukraine's skies reopen.

The forces will test command-and-control arrangements, the movement of people, equipment and supplies, and how different components work together as a single force. Türkiye will stand up the maritime element in Istanbul, testing arrangements for mine clearance so that commercial shipping can return safely to Ukraine's ports.

Scope of the mission

According to the UK Ministry of Defence, MNF-U would move into Ukraine only after fighting has ceased and at the request of Ukraine's government. It would not carry out peacekeeping or ceasefire-monitoring duties. Its role would be to support Ukraine's security, for example by making its skies and seas safer and by rebuilding its armed forces. Western officials stress that the force would not take part in offensive operations.

The MNF-U is commanded by a British general, Lieutenant General Tom Bateman. The UK and France lead the force jointly, and its headquarters is due to move from Paris to London later this year.

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said it was a "real force, ready to help Ukraine once the fighting stops".

What this means for you

The exercise takes place in Poland, so increased movement of allied troops may be visible there. However, the sources give no specific locations or effects on travellers or residents. The mission plan depends on the fighting in Ukraine ending, which is not a given.