Koalicja Exercise began on 9 November 2026 in Poland, marking the first military drill organised by the British- and French-led Coalition of the Willing. The exercise will continue until 22 November and involves around 2,800 troops from 11 countries. Ukrainian military personnel are also taking part in the training.

The main activities are centred on Nowa Dęba in southeastern Poland. The exercise aims to test how well the participating countries can work together during military operations. It also focuses on communication systems, military logistics and coordination across national borders.

What Is the Koalicja Exercise?

The Koalicja Exercise is designed to prepare participating forces for a possible post-war deployment to support Ukraine’s armed forces. The drills test the ability of different national military units to operate together in complex situations.

The training includes testing command structures, communication systems and the movement of troops and equipment across borders. It also involves simulated air and naval operations. These activities help military forces understand how to coordinate their actions during a multinational mission.

Aerial activities are taking place in Romania, while maritime operations are being conducted in Turkish waters of the Black Sea. The naval drills include simulated mine-clearance activities, which focus on identifying and dealing with sea mines.

Counter-drone training is another important part of the exercise. A French unit is using autonomous aerial and ground systems during these drills. Such systems are becoming increasingly important in modern warfare, particularly because unmanned aerial vehicles are widely used for surveillance and military operations.

Which Countries Are Participating?

The Koalicja Exercise involves military personnel from 11 countries, along with Ukrainian troops. The participating countries are Belgium, Estonia, France, Germany, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Türkiye and the United Kingdom.

France has committed around 1,000 personnel, making it one of the largest contributors to the exercise. Reports have provided different estimates for the British contingent, ranging from approximately 300 to 500 personnel.

The United Kingdom is also contributing military aircraft, including RAF Typhoon fighter jets and a Voyager aerial refuelling aircraft. These assets support the exercise’s air-operation activities and demonstrate the importance of coordination between different military services.

Coalition of the Willing and Its Role in Ukraine

The Coalition of the Willing was formed in early 2025 under British and French leadership. It brings together countries interested in providing security support to Ukraine and strengthening its ability to defend itself against future threats.

Its military arm, the Multinational Force for Ukraine (MNF-U), was established in January 2026. The force aims to improve Ukraine’s military capabilities, provide security support and help deter possible future Russian aggression.

The MNF-U is intended to support Ukraine’s security after the war. However, it is not designed as a traditional peacekeeping force or a mission to monitor a ceasefire. It is also not part of NATO, meaning the initiative operates separately from the alliance’s formal military structure.

Russia Raises Concerns Over the Coalition

The development of the multinational force has attracted criticism from Russia. Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of Russia’s National Security Council, accused the alliance of preparing for war with Russia.

These statements reflect the wider tensions surrounding the war in Ukraine and the involvement of European countries in its future security arrangements. Russia has repeatedly opposed the possibility of Western military forces being deployed in Ukraine.

The Koalicja Exercise is taking place amid continuing discussions about Ukraine’s long-term security, European defence cooperation and the role of international partners in preventing another conflict.

Why the Military Exercise Matters

The Koalicja Exercise is significant because modern military operations often require forces from several countries to work together. Differences in communication systems, equipment and command structures can create difficulties during multinational missions.

By testing these areas, the participating countries can identify problems and improve coordination before any possible deployment. The drills also highlight the growing importance of counter-drone technology, air defence, logistics and maritime security.

The exercise comes at a time when European countries are reviewing their defence capabilities and security arrangements in response to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Its activities will provide an opportunity to test how different military forces can coordinate their operations in a possible future security mission.