In Poland began the exercise on 9 November 2026 Koalicja 26.2 began. Until 22 November, a newly formed Multinational Force Ukraine (MNF‑U) is testing command, logistics and air transport procedures for possible stabilisation missions after an end to the fighting in Ukraine. According to the exercise organisers, around 2,800 troops from about ten to eleven countries are taking part. Overall responsibility lies with France and the United Kingdom. The main location is the Nowa Dęba military training area in south-eastern Poland.
The exercise involves deployments by land and air, coordination between command structures, aerial refuelling and the protection of critical infrastructure. Alongside activities in Poland, flight profiles are planned in the airspace over Romania and in the western part of the Black Sea. The stated aim is not to take part in combat, but to test the readiness, interoperability and logistics of a multinational force that could help with stabilisation and security in the event of a peace agreement.
According to official sources, Germany is taking part with around ten staff officers and logistical support. The German Armed Forces is also providing up to two A400Mtransport aircraft, which can deploy troops and equipment and be configured for aerial refuelling missions. The German government and the Federal Ministry of Defence stress that any possible future deployment of German forces outside Poland would require separate political decisions and legal reviews. A deployment in or over Ukraine would in principle require a mandate from the Bundestag.
The exercise is viewed differently internationally. Supporters see it as necessary preparation to ensure a rapid response after a ceasefire and to secure infrastructure. Critics warn of escalation risks and call for clear parliamentary mandates, robust legal foundations and precise communication of the objectives. Russia has repeatedly said that it would regard the deployment of foreign troops in Ukraine as intervention. The participating countries emphasise that Koalicja 26.2 is not a NATO exercise, but an exercise by a coalition of the willing, aimed exclusively at preparing for possible peacekeeping tasks.
MNF‑U stems from discussions between several European countries over the course of 2026. France and the United Kingdom have announced that they will provide command and key capabilities. Germany stresses that its current participation is limited to the exercise in Poland. The focus is on testing multinational staff procedures, securing logistical corridors and cooperation between ground and air forces, so that troops can be deployed swiftly if a future political mandate is granted.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).