MILEX 26 Underway: Preparing Europe’s Rapid Deployment Capacity
The 2026 edition, MILEX 26, is a strategic, operational and tactical level Alert and Deployment Exercise (ALERTEX/DEPLOYEX). It aims to test and train both the Military Planning and Conduct Capability (MPCC) and the EU Rapid Response Forces in planning and conducting the early stages of an autonomous EU crisis management operation.
For this exercise, the Operations Headquarters is located at the MPCC in Brussels, while the EU Force Headquarters is provided by Eurocorps. Together, these structures will coordinate planning, command and control processes throughout the different phases of the exercise.
The exercise is conducted in several stages. The first phase, running to 13 March 2026, focuses on Crisis Response Planning, the Alert System Exercise and information briefings, ensuring that command structures and participating forces can react swiftly to a developing crisis scenario.
The second phase will focus on the practical preparation and deployment of the force. In March, participating nations will develop the Multinational Detailed Deployment Plan, establishing how troops and capabilities would move towards the theatre of operations.
From late May to mid-June, the exercise will intensify with strategic deployment activities and Reception, Staging, Onward Movement and Integration (RSOM-I), testing the EU’s ability to project forces rapidly over long distances. This period will also include a Communications Exercise, ensuring secure and effective information exchange between all participating headquarters and units.
In June, command structures and operational staff will participate in Battle Staff Training, Command Post Exercises and Combat Enhancement Training, simulating operational decision-making and coordination in a crisis environment. These activities will culminate in an Operational Rehearsal, followed by a Distinguished Visitors Day.
The final stage of MILEX 26 will take place in Spain, where the exercise will conclude with a Live Exercise (LIVEX). During this phase, planning assumptions will be tested under realistic field conditions, allowing forces to validate procedures, interoperability and operational readiness.
Through exercises such as MILEX 26, the European Union demonstrates its commitment to strengthening collective security. By training together, Member States improve their ability to deploy rapidly, coordinate effectively and respond to crises in support of international peace and stability.
MILEX 26 therefore represents not only a training activity, but also a tangible expression of European cooperation in defence, ensuring that the EU remains a credible, responsive and reliable security partner for its citizens and for the wider international community.
