Britain and France will jointly lead a major multinational military exercise involving 2,800 personnel from 11 countries as European allies prepare for a possible security mission in Ukraine after the war with Russia.
The Ministry of Defence confirmed on 3 November 2026 that Exercise Koalicja will run from 9 to 22 November in Poland, with a maritime planning component in Istanbul. Around 300 British personnel will participate alongside RAF Typhoon fighter jets and a Voyager refuelling aircraft.
The exercise will test how a multinational force could move, protect and supply personnel and equipment, and help strengthen Ukraine’s armed forces after hostilities end. It does not involve deploying those troops into Ukraine.
British troops and RAF aircraft to take part
Personnel from the British Army’s 7 Brigade, known as the Desert Rats, will rehearse the movement of troops, equipment and essential supplies. RAF Typhoon fighter jets and a Voyager refuelling aircraft will participate in the air component, simulating operations that could help reassure commercial aviation when Ukrainian airspace reopens. The Ministry of Defence says the exercise will test command arrangements, logistics and coordination between participating countries. The 2,800 personnel are the total multinational contingent, not the British contribution.
Eleven nations involved in Exercise Koalicja
The participating countries are Belgium, Estonia, France, Germany, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Türkiye and the United Kingdom. Britain and France will jointly lead the exercise, which is scheduled for 9–22 November 2026. It is the first major exercise conducted by the Multinational Force–Ukraine (MNF-U), the military component of the Coalition of the Willing.
What is the Multinational Force–Ukraine?
The MNF-U was formally established in January 2026 following a declaration of intent by the leaders of Britain, France and Ukraine. It is intended to help rebuild and strengthen Ukraine’s armed forces, support safer air and maritime operations and deter renewed aggression after the war. The Ministry of Defence explicitly states that it is not a NATO operation, a peacekeeping force or a ceasefire-monitoring mission. Deployment into Ukraine would take place only after hostilities end, when the necessary conditions are met and at the invitation of the Ukrainian Government.
British general commands proposed force
The MNF-U is commanded by British Lieutenant General Tom Bateman. Its operational headquarters is in Paris and is due to move to London before the end of 2026. The Ministry of Defence says the wider force has secured military commitments from 24 nations, a separate figure from the 11 countries participating in the November exercise.
Turkish forces to rehearse Black Sea mine-clearance planning
Türkiye will conduct the maritime component from Istanbul, testing plans for mine clearance that could eventually support the safe return of commercial shipping to Ukrainian ports. This is a planning and training activity, not an announcement that multinational forces have begun clearing mines in Ukrainian waters.
Defence Secretary sets out British commitment
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said the exercise demonstrated that Britain and its allies were preparing a practical force to support Ukraine after the fighting ends. The Government says the proposed mission would help Ukraine defend itself against future aggression. Its announcement does not set a deployment date or establish that an agreement to end the war has been reached.
What could the mission mean for British forces?
If a future deployment is agreed, British personnel could support training, logistics and reassurance operations. The size, location, duration and exact responsibilities of any such deployment have not been finalised. Exercise Koalicja does not mean 2,800 personnel are being sent into Ukraine, and the proposed MNF-U would not be tasked with monitoring a ceasefire.
What happens next?
Exercise Koalicja is scheduled to run from 9 to 22 November. Its land and air components will be held in Poland, with maritime planning in Istanbul. Results will inform preparations for the proposed multinational force. Any operational mission inside Ukraine remains conditional on an end to hostilities, appropriate political and military arrangements and a request from Ukraine’s Government.