Joint efforts between the UK and France will see thousands of troops from eleven nations participating in Exercise Koalicja, a significant military exercise set to take place in Poland. This exercise aims to evaluate the readiness of allied forces to support Ukraine and to assist in the rebuilding of its Armed Forces after the conclusion of hostilities.
Scheduled from 9 to 22 November, Exercise Koalicja marks the inaugural large-scale operation conducted by the Multinational Force Ukraine (MNF-U), which serves as the military branch of the Coalition of the Willing. This coalition consists of nations dedicated to providing enhanced military, economic, and diplomatic aid to Ukraine.
Approximately 300 personnel from the UK will join a total of 2,800 troops on land, in the air, and at sea. Members of the British Army’s 7 Brigade, known as the ‘Desert Rats’, will practice essential logistical operations, while RAF Typhoon jets and a Voyager refuelling aircraft will conduct missions overhead. These aircraft will simulate the reassurance of commercial air travel once Ukraine’s airspace is reopened.
Commitment to Ukraine’s Security
The Defence Secretary expressed that this exercise signifies the UK’s commitment alongside France and allied nations to prepare for the eventual return of peace in Ukraine. Emphasising the importance of this initiative, he stated that it represents a tangible force ready to assist Ukraine once the conflict ceases.
By taking a leading role in this collaborative effort, the UK is not only securing its own future but also contributing to the long-term safety of Europe. The official underscored that Ukraine’s security is intrinsically linked to the security of the UK, affirming the commitment to stand by Ukraine for as long as necessary.
In a post-conflict scenario, the MNF-U aims to fortify Ukraine’s future security by ensuring the safety of its air and maritime spaces, as well as revitalising its military capabilities. The MNF-U will only deploy within Ukraine once hostilities have ended and at the request of the Ukrainian government, without engaging in peacekeeping or ceasefire monitoring duties.
Capabilities of the Multinational Force
The MNF-U is commanded by Lieutenant General Tom Bateman, a British three-star general. The UK and France jointly lead this force, which will have its headquarters relocated from Paris to London within the year.
General Bateman highlighted that this exercise would demonstrate the MNF-U’s readiness and capability as a substantial commitment from the Coalition of the Willing towards Ukraine’s long-term stability and security. The MNF-U’s preparedness will ensure that Ukrainian Armed Forces are optimally positioned to deter any future aggression once the current fighting concludes.
The nations taking part in Exercise Koalicja include Belgium, Estonia, France, Germany, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Türkiye, and the UK. The exercise will focus on testing command-and-control structures, rehearsing the deployment of personnel, equipment, and supplies, and evaluating the integration and operational effectiveness of various components as a cohesive multinational force.
Maritime and Ground Operations
In addition to the land and air components, Turkish forces will establish the MNF-U’s maritime segment in Istanbul, where they will engage in maritime mine clearance exercises to facilitate the safe return of commercial shipping to Ukrainian ports.
The security of Ukraine is fundamentally important to the UK’s own national security. The invasion of Ukraine by the Russian state has disrupted European stability and violated the principle that international borders cannot be altered through force. A secure and stable Ukraine is essential for safeguarding the UK, Europe, and the broader international order based on established rules.
The UK continues to bolster Ukraine’s self-defence capabilities through military aid and training for its forces, whilst collaborating with allies to maintain economic and diplomatic pressure on Russia amidst ongoing attacks involving missiles and drones targeting Ukraine.
Increased Defence Spending
The UK has consistently sought to avoid confrontation with Russia and bears no animosity towards the Russian people. However, the UK remains resolute in its commitment to defend itself and its allies. It will continue to uphold Ukraine’s right to self-defence, thereby ensuring the safety of both the UK and Europe, while working alongside allies to deter future threats.
Furthermore, the UK is embarking on a significant increase in defence spending, marking the most substantial rise since the Cold War, projected to reach 2.7% of GDP by 2027-2028, with nearly £300 billion allocated over the next four years.
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