Dutch troops and F-35s take part in drills for potential Ukraine deployment

Dutch forces have joined a military exercise in Poland involving hundreds of personnel and F-35 fighter jets. The drills are intended to prepare for a potential deployment to Ukraine once the war with Russia is over, according to the Ministry of Defence. The exercise, organised by the Multinational Force-Ukraine (MNF-U), started on Monday.

The drills are being held by the military force established by the Coalition of the Willing to help safeguard Ukraine once the war ends. Approximately 2,800 troops from 11 countries are participating, although Ukraine itself has no military personnel involved in the exercise.

The Dutch contingent consists mainly of army personnel, according to the Ministry of Defence. The military drills will continue through November 22 under the leadership of the UK and France.

"We are preparing together with our allies for a possible deployment to support the Ukrainian armed forces after the war," Defence Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz said in a statement. "This exercise is an important step in those preparations." Any eventual mission would still require approval from the Tweede Kamer, the lower house of Dutch parliament.