A multinational force being prepared to support Ukraine after a possible end to the war will hold its first major exercise in Poland from 9 to 22 November. The United Kingdom and France will lead Exercise Koalicja 2026, which is expected to involve about 2,800 personnel from 11 countries. Türkiye will organise the force’s maritime component from Istanbul.
The UK Ministry of Defence said on November 3 that the exercise would test command arrangements, the movement and protection of personnel and equipment, and the supply of a multinational force. Britain plans to contribute 300 troops, RAF Typhoon fighter jets and a Voyager aircraft for air-to-air refuelling.
Türkiye’s role will focus on the maritime element of the Multinational Force Ukraine (MNF-U). Turkish forces will rehearse arrangements for mine clearance in the Black Sea, a capability intended to help commercial shipping return safely to Ukrainian ports if hostilities end. The exercise will also test how the land, air and maritime components can operate together.
The 11 participating countries are Belgium, Estonia, France, Germany, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Türkiye and the UK. Germany is expected to provide around ten staff officers, up to two A400M aircraft for aerial refuelling and logistical support, according to a German defence ministry spokesperson cited by dpa in late October.
The British government says the MNF-U would move into Ukraine only after fighting has ceased and at the request of the Ukrainian government. It is not intended to act as a conventional peacekeeping force or monitor a ceasefire. Its planned tasks would include helping rebuild Ukraine’s armed forces and supporting safer air and maritime routes.
The Guardian reported on November 3, citing Western officials, that troops in a future deployment would be permitted to defend themselves if attacked, while any response would remain defensive. The November exercise is a readiness test for a possible postwar arrangement, not a decision that the force will be deployed.
