--- title: "Military Exercise Set for Southeastern Poland from November 9 to 22" url: https://newscentral.site/military-exercise-set-for-southeastern-poland-from-november/ language: en publisher: "News Central Site" section: "World" published: 2026-11-03T01:43:00.000Z updated: 2026-11-04T06:45:41.730Z id: b0e664c4-eb72-4bd2-b80c-5fa905465461 source: "France 24 English https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20261103-european-force-to-hold-first-ukraine-support-exercise-in-poland" attribution: "Link to https://newscentral.site/military-exercise-set-for-southeastern-poland-from-november/ and name News Central Site when you quote or summarize this story." --- # Military Exercise Set for Southeastern Poland from November 9 to 22 Around 2,800 troops from 10 European countries will participate in the operation. A major military exercise is set to take place in southeastern Poland from November 9 to 22, involving around 2,800 troops from 10 European countries. This large-scale operation is designed to test a new multinational force that will provide support to Ukraine once a potential ceasefire is agreed upon. The Multinational Force, Ukraine (MNF-U) has been established by France and Britain, with the aim of bolstering Ukraine's security without taking on an offensive role in the conflict. This force has no plans to engage in combat operations and will only be deployed after hostilities have ceased. Led by France and the UK, the MNF-U was set up in 2025 and already has a functional operational headquarters in Paris. Despite being a non-NATO operation, it is not clear how much involvement there will be from other countries, including the US. The exercise, dubbed Koalicja ("Coalition" in Polish), aims to support the Ukrainian armed forces by ensuring security in Ukrainian skies and allowing economic activity to resume in the Black Sea region. By testing the speed and efficiency of deploying troops on land, sea, and air, the MNF-U seeks to prove its value as a potential stabilising force in Ukraine. The scale and scope of this exercise are likely to be closely watched by Russia, which has shown little willingness to settle for peace in Ukraine. The exercise's timing and nature may further antagonise Moscow, which could have significant implications for regional tensions. The coalition of European forces preparing to support Ukraine has made significant progress in its preparations, with key milestones being reached in the lead-up to the exercise. A total of 2,800 troops will participate in the exercise, set to take place from November 9 to 22 in southeast Poland near the Ukrainian border. This deployment marks a major commitment to providing assistance to Ukraine once hostilities cease. The largest contingent of troops is being provided by France, with 1,100 soldiers scheduled to arrive on site. In addition, the UK will contribute 300 troops, as part of its ongoing efforts to support the coalition's mission in Ukraine. The exercise itself will involve a range of operations, including air and land activities around the town of Nowa Deba, approximately 100 kilometres west of the Ukrainian border. The participating nations include Belgium, Estonia, Germany, France, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden, and the UK. A separate maritime simulation is being led by Turkey from Istanbul, focusing on mine-clearing operations in the Black Sea. This exercise will test the coalition's preparedness for eventual mine-clearance efforts in the region, although Turkish troops are not participating in the land-based exercise in Poland. The European-led military coalition's upcoming exercise in Poland is a demonstration of support for Ukraine's armed forces, aimed at strengthening their ability to deter and defend against future Russian aggression. According to officials, this exercise will help prepare the mission for eventual deployment by overcoming logistical and cultural challenges between different countries' militaries. While the exercise is not designed for offensive operations, Moscow is likely to be paying close attention as the war in Ukraine approaches its five-year milestone with neither side appearing to gain a decisive advantage. The conflict has already surpassed the duration of World War I, and its prolonged nature suggests that both sides are struggling to achieve a breakthrough. The exercise will involve deploying light equipment such as drones for anti-drone and self-defence exercises, rather than heavy weaponry or tanks. This is part of an effort to test coordination arrangements, movement of personnel, equipment, and supplies, as well as the ability of different components to integrate and operate effectively as one multinational force. The exercise will provide valuable experience in preparing for mine-clearance efforts in Ukraine, although Turkish troops are not participating in the land-based drills. --- Source: [France 24 English](https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20261103-european-force-to-hold-first-ukraine-support-exercise-in-poland) Published by News Central Site: https://newscentral.site/military-exercise-set-for-southeastern-poland-from-november/