Britain and France have launched joint military exercises with 11 other nations to test the readiness of a multinational force to support Ukraine. The exercises, named "Qualitas", aim to assess the force's ability to deploy and coordinate its land, air, and sea components. The drills will take place from November 9 to 22, with around 2800 troops participating. The exercises are part of a broader effort to bolster Ukraine's defenses against Russia.
The multinational force, led by Britain and France, was established in 2025 to provide military support to Ukraine. The force is currently based in Paris, with plans to relocate its headquarters to London later this year. The exercises will focus on testing the force's ability to deploy troops, equipment, and supplies, as well as its command and control structures. The drills will also simulate operations to clear mines from the Black Sea, allowing for the safe resumption of commercial shipping to Ukrainian ports.
The exercises will involve troops from 11 nations, including Britain, France, Germany, Belgium, Estonia, Lithuania, Holland, Poland, Spain, and Sweden. Turkey will participate in the naval component of the exercises, leading a simulation of mine-clearing operations from Istanbul. British forces will contribute around 300 troops, as well as Typhoon fighter jets and a Voyager refueling aircraft. The British contingent will also simulate the transportation of troops, equipment, and supplies.
The exercises are seen as a demonstration of the commitment of the participating nations to Ukraine's security and stability. British Defense Minister Wes Streeting said the exercises showed Britain's readiness to support Ukraine in the post-conflict phase. He emphasized that the multinational force was not just a hypothetical plan, but a concrete military formation being prepared to support Ukraine when the fighting stops.
The multinational force is tasked with supporting the Ukrainian military and rebuilding its capabilities through training and equipment provision. The force's commander, General Tom Pitman, said the exercises would demonstrate the force's ability to deploy and execute its tasks, reflecting the commitment of the participating nations to Ukraine's long-term security and stability.
The exercises will also test the force's ability to work with Ukrainian forces and to support their efforts to deter future Russian aggression. The participating nations have pledged to provide military, economic, and diplomatic support to Ukraine. The exercises are part of a broader effort to bolster Ukraine's defenses and support its economic recovery.
The "Qualitas" exercises are a significant demonstration of European commitment to Ukraine's security and stability. The exercises will conclude on November 22, with the participating nations having tested their military capabilities and interoperability. The multinational force is expected to play a key role in supporting Ukraine's security and stability in the years to come.
Key points
- The exercises involve around 2800 troops from 11 nations and aim to test the readiness of a multinational force to support Ukraine.
- The force is led by Britain and France and was established in 2025 to provide military support to Ukraine.
- The exercises simulate operations to clear mines from the Black Sea and test the force's ability to deploy troops, equipment, and supplies.
