Hundreds of British troops and RAF jets will take part in a major multinational wargame in Poland to prepare for potential peace in Ukraine, the Ministry of Defence has said.
The UK and France will lead Exercise Koalicja, involving 2,800 military forces from 11 nations, aimed at ensuring Nato forces are ready to provide Ukraine with security guarantees once the war is over.
First major exercise for Multinational Force Ukraine
Running from November 9 to 22, it marks the first major military exercise conducted by the Multinational Force Ukraine (MNF-U), the military arm of the Coalition of the Willing. The drill will simulate moving troops and supplies such as food and fuel, and was agreed at a Coalition of the Willing summit in July.
Some 300 UK troops will take part, with soldiers from the Army’s 7 Brigade, known as the Desert Rats, rehearsing crucial logistical movements as RAF Typhoons and a Voyager refuelling aircraft fly sorties overhead. The jets will simulate how they would reassure commercial aviation once Ukrainian airspace reopens.
UK and allied leaders on the exercise
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said: ‘This exercise shows the UK is stepping up, alongside France and our allies, to prepare for the day peace comes to Ukraine.
‘This isn’t a hypothetical plan; it’s a real force, ready to help Ukraine once the fighting stops. By leading this work with our allies, we are protecting the UK and Europe for the long term and delivering on our commitment to keep the country safe.
‘Ukraine’s security is our security, and we will stand with them for as long as it takes.’
British three-star general Lieutenant General Tom Bateman, who commands the MNF-U, said: ‘This exercise will show that the Multinational Force Ukraine is a real, capable, readily deployable force that represents a serious commitment from Coalition of the Willing nations to Ukraine’s long-term stability and security.
‘The MNF-U will be more ready every day to support Ukraine when the fighting ends, ensuring the Armed Forces of Ukraine are in the strongest possible position to deter future aggression.’
Participating nations and maritime drills
The participating nations are Belgium, Estonia, France, Germany, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Turkey and the UK. Turkish forces in Istanbul will rehearse maritime mine clearance to help restore commercial shipping to Ukrainian ports.
