Coalition of the Willing Begins First Exercise in Poland

The British- and French-led Coalition of the Willing began its first military exercise, Koalicja, in Poland on 9 November 2026. The drills run until 22 November and involve about 2,800 troops from 11 countries, with Ukrainian troops also taking part. The exercise is centred on Nowa Dęba in southeastern Poland.

Exercise and participating forces

Koalicja tests the compatibility of military command and communications systems, cross-border logistics, and simulated air and naval operations. Its stated purpose is to prepare for a possible post-war deployment supporting Ukraine’s armed forces. Aerial activities are taking place in Romania, while maritime operations, including simulated mine clearance, are being held in Turkish waters of the Black Sea. Counter-drone drills include a French unit using autonomous aerial and ground systems.

The participating countries are Belgium, Estonia, France, Germany, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Turkey and the United Kingdom. France has committed about 1,000 personnel. Reports give differing figures for the UK contingent—about 300 or about 500 personnel—and identify RAF Typhoon fighter jets and a Voyager refuelling aircraft.

Multinational Force for Ukraine

Formed in early 2025, the Coalition established its military arm, the Multinational Force for Ukraine (MNF-U), in January 2026. The force aims to strengthen Ukraine’s military capabilities, provide security support and deter future Russian aggression. It is not a peacekeeping or ceasefire-monitoring force and is not linked to NATO. Russian National Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu accused the alliance of preparing for war with Russia.

Important Facts for Exams

• Coalition exercise: Military training involving forces from several nations is classified as a combined or coalition exercise; forces of one nation training together conduct a joint exercise.
• Exercise versus war game: A key distinction is that a military exercise involves actual forces in the simulation, whereas a war game does not typically do so.
• Operational logistics: Operational logistics concerns activity within a theatre, including receiving, storing and distributing supplies and personnel, as well as maintaining equipment and transport.