MILEX 26: Demonstrating European Readiness and Cooperation

On 18 June 2026, distinguished visitors gathered in Zaragoza, Spain, to witness the Distinguished Visitors Day of MILEX 26, the European Union's flagship military exercise.

 The event provided a tangible demonstration of the EU's ability to plan, command and conduct complex military operations in support of shared security and defence objectives.

MILEX 26 brought together a substantial number of personnel, capabilities and command elements from across the European Union, reinforcing interoperability and strengthening collective readiness. The exercise highlighted the growing maturity of EU military cooperation and its capacity to respond effectively to emerging security challenges.

A key enabler of the exercise was the use of secure communications systems, which ensured reliable, protected and interoperable information exchange among participating forces and headquarters. Secure communications played a vital role in maintaining situational awareness, supporting command and control, and enabling effective coordination throughout the exercise.

Importantly, MILEX is not a stand-alone event but part of a continuous cycle of training and exercises designed to enhance preparedness and operational effectiveness. Building on the achievements of MILEX 26, the next edition will take place in Sardinia, Italy, next year, providing another opportunity to further strengthen cooperation and collective capabilities.

MILEX 26 once again demonstrated that the European Union is both capable and credible in delivering military operations when required. As preparations begin for the next exercise, the momentum generated in Zaragoza will continue to contribute to advancing Europe's shared security and defence ambitions.