Hundreds of British troops and Royal Air Force (RAF) fighter jets will take part in a major multinational military exercise in Poland to prepare for potential peace in Ukraine, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has announced.
The UK and France will jointly lead Exercise Koalicja from November 9 to 22. The exercise will bring together 2,800 military personnel from 11 nations to ensure NATO forces stand ready to provide Ukraine with security guarantees once the conflict ends.
First Major Deployment for MNF-U
It marks the first major deployment for the Multinational Force Ukraine (MNF-U), the military arm formed by the Coalition of the Willing following a leadership summit in July.
The drills will focus on complex logistical manoeuvres, simulating the rapid movement of troops, food, and fuel across regional supply routes.
British Contingent and Air Support
Among the participating contingents are 300 British personnel, including troops from the British Army's 7th Light Mechanised Brigade Combat Team - known as the "Desert Rats."
Overhead, RAF Typhoon fighters and a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft will fly simulated sorties designed to test procedures for securing and reopening Ukrainian airspace to commercial aviation.
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," he added. "Ukraine's security is our security, and we will stand with them for as long as it takes."
International Coalition
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."
Exercise Koalicja brings together a broad international coalition, including forces from Belgium, Estonia, France, Germany, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, and the UK.
As part of the wider exercise scope, Turkish forces stationed in Istanbul will rehearse maritime mine-clearing operations aimed at ensuring the safe return of commercial shipping to Ukrainian ports.
