Koalicja drills to test multinational force deployment in Ukraine
The first large-scale Koalicja exercises will run in Nowa Dęba, Poland, from 9 to 22 November. Nearly 2,800 troops from 10 countries will test deployment, command, logistics, communications and drone-combat capabilities for a possible future mission in Ukraine.
Key points
- Koalicja exercises will run in Nowa Dęba, Poland, from 9 to 22 November
- Nearly 2,800 troops from 10 countries are expected to participate
- France and the United Kingdom lead the 36-country alliance
- Troops from nine European countries and Ukraine will take part
- NATO was informed but will not participate directly
- The United States will not join the operation
- A Ukraine defence contact group will meet at NATO headquarters on 17 November
Why it matters
The drills are intended to test whether an alliance involving 36 countries can deploy to Ukraine on the day fighting stops. They examine multinational command, logistics, communications, troop and equipment movement and drone warfare, directly linking the exercise to Ukraine's potential future security arrangements. The exclusion of NATO personnel and the US non-participation leave the scope of future guarantees uncertain.
What happened
The first large-scale Koalicja exercises are scheduled for 9–22 November in Nowa Dęba in southeastern Poland. Nearly 2,800 personnel from 10 countries are expected to take part in the initial deployment in a region bordering Ukraine. Participants include forces from France, the United Kingdom, Estonia, Lithuania, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Belgium and Ukraine. The exercises will test command systems and logistics involved in moving troops and equipment across Europe, the interoperability of communications equipment among multinational MNF-U forces, and drone-combat capabilities. A tank-and-missile show of force is not expected. Poland was selected to host because of its experience organizing military events and operating training centres for Ukrainian personnel.
How Ukrainian sources describe it
Ukrainian coverage emphasizes the possible deployment of multinational forces after a ceasefire, Ukraine's direct participation and the practical tasks of command, logistics, communications and drone warfare. It also highlights Poland's training of Ukrainian military personnel, coordination of continued support in Berlin and the forthcoming NATO contact-group session on Ukraine's defence.
How international sources describe it
The multinational character of the exercise is central: France and the United Kingdom lead a 36-country alliance, while troops from nine European countries and Ukraine participate. NATO has been informed but will not take direct part, and the United States is not joining the operation.
Background
Poland already hosts several training centres for Ukrainian military personnel, including one operating under the European Union's military support mission for Ukraine. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz invited coalition participants to a November meeting in Berlin to coordinate further support for Ukraine, with support and the strengthening of Ukrainian air defence identified as the main topics.