Uniformed Capability Requirements Paper June 2026

The United Nations Uniformed Capability Requirements Paper (UCRP) projects to Member States what current and future military, police, training, and related capabilities UN peacekeeping needs. Issued quarterly, it guides troop- and police-contributing countries which units, personnel, equipment, training, or capacity-building support to prepare and pledge.

Current and Emerging Uniformed Capability Requirements for United Nations Peacekeeping

June 2026

United Nations peacekeeping stands at a critical inflection point. Conflicts are fragmented, regionalized, and influenced by non-state armed groups, transnational criminal networks, and actors equipped with new technologies and capabilities. Peacekeeping environments continue to be challenging, highlighted most recently by the latest Ebola outbreak. At the same time, peacekeeping financing has become less predictable and budget reductions have impacted mandate delivery. In this environment, peacekeeping must adapt, not only by improving situational awareness through digital tools and unmanned systems, but also by strengthening analysis, mobility, force protection, information integrity, and partnerships with host states and regional actors. Member States will be relied on to help make existing and future peacekeeping operations capable, agile, and fit for purpose.
The following text outlines the current and emerging uniformed capability needs for UN Peacekeeping, including with regards to training and capacity-building, mission specific unit gaps, general uniformed capabilities that are in demand, as well as some important information on Integrated Peacekeeping-Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Units and on Ebola Virus Disease Preparedness. Annex A is an updated list of current uniformed pledges made in the PCRS and Annex B displays the PCRS pledges at Levels 2 and above for each capability category against the estimated number of units required for a new medium-size mission. These lists support identification of military and police capabilities that are low in supply and should be prioritized in Member State planning for future pledges to the PCRS. If questions remain, please reach out to the PCRS managers at pcrs.manager@un.org.

Please note that the PCRS and its Rapid Deployment Level (RDL) will enter a new cycle that will run from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027. T/PCCs that have not yet confirmed their pledges on the PCRS website, regardless of their level, are reminded to do so as soon as possible. The instructions on how to confirm pledges are available in the PCRS Users Guide. If questions remain, please reach out to the PCRS manager at pcrs.manager@un.org. The PCRS website will also undergo a series of changes to enhance its security features and by early September, it is expected to have a new public face, as well as a private area where Member States manage their pledges, hosted in SharePoint Online. New guidance to users will be communicated before these changes are made, so please make sure Member State official PCRS users are properly registered in the system.

I. TRAINING AND CAPACITY BUILDING

The UN seeks active collaboration from Member States to fortify capacity building and pre-deployment training efforts and wishes to note that the Integrated Training Service (ITS) of the Department of Peace Operations (DPO) is responsible for the direction and coordination of peacekeeping training for all categories of personnel – civilian, military, and police – as per General Assembly resolution A/RES/49/37 (1995). ITS is the only Secretariat entity dedicated to translating peacekeeping doctrine, policy and guidance into operational training for UN peace operations. We aim to receive offers from Member States in several areas:

1. Hosting and Funding Training Activities: Member States are encouraged to fund and host training activities, which may include the provision of venues, accommodation, meals for international participants, inland transportation, and conference services.
2. Nomination of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs): For 2026, SMEs from Member States are needed to support the development of new training materials on integration and joint tactical planning for military and police, an outcome of the first Heads of Military and Police Components Conference (HOMCC) of October 2024. SMEs will also be needed to assist in the creation of Counter UAS (C-UAS) training materials, FPU Pre-Deployment Training (Including Firearms, Police Tactics & Techniques, Public Order Management, C-IED and Ammunition Management), and Environmental Management for T/PCC focal points, pending the approval of appropriate policy and guidance, where necessary.
3. Selection and Provision of National Trainers for UN-led Training of Trainers (TOT): Member States are encouraged to fund and nominate qualified national trainers for participation in TOT programs run regionally/globally. These trainers will later disseminate the materials nationally. Priorities for 2026 include TOTs on the newly revised Core Pre-deployment Training Material (CPTM), addressing misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech (MDH) threats for military and police commanders; UN Infantry Battalions (STM currently in development); UN Staff Officers (new STM); UN Military Observers (new STM) and various training programs for UN Police, including a TOT Certification Course, UN FPU Command Staff Course and a UN FPU Pre-Deployment Training pilot. Additionally, subject to funding and in coordination with the Conduct and Discipline Service, ITS plans to conduct a TOT to roll out new training materials on conduct and discipline for military and police commanders.
4. Supporting the UN Senior National Planners Programme: Member States are encouraged to carefully select and nominate the most suitable candidates for this programme. The target audience includes decision-makers and planning officers responsible for the deployment of contingents. Participants will be introduced to the UN’s administrative and technical procedures and the complexities of negotiating, planning, preparing, deploying, supporting, sustaining, and withdrawing national contingents in UN Peace Operations.
5. Translation of Training Materials: Member States are requested to assist in translating training materials, particularly those related to new developments, into at least the six UN official languages.
6. Supporting AI and e-Learning Initiatives for Pre-Deployment Training: ITS is developing AI models to enhance Scenario-Based Exercises and Table-Top Exercises (SBE and TTX) as part of the Pre-Deployment Training for T/PCCs. ITS is also considering issuing parts of suitable training materials as e-learning. Member States are encouraged to provide funding or in-kind contributions (instructional designers, database developers, etc.) to support these developments.
7. Addressing Capability Gaps: The Light Coordination Mechanism (LCM), managed by Integrated Training Service (ITS), engages troop-and police-contributing countries (T/PCCs) and training and capacity-building providers to communicate training gaps, match opportunities to identified needs, and facilitate capacity-building partnerships to improve the performance, safety and security of uniformed UN peacekeepers. Member States and relevant stakeholders are encouraged to use the LCM Online System (LCMOS), including the Global Peacekeeping Training Schedule and the new MarketPlace feature launched in March 2025. Through this platform, they can post and/or search for training and capacity-building opportunities and strengthen collective information-sharing and direct collaboration to support partnerships in the field of peacekeeping. To discuss offers and training matters with ITS, please contact: peacekeeping-training@un.org. To register for the LCM Online System or to discuss your offers or requests for training and capacity-building assistance, please contact the LCM at dpo-lcm@un.org.
   

The Triangular Partnership Programme (TPP) enhances uniformed peacekeepers’ capacities for UN Peacekeeping Operations, as well as African Union Peace Support Operations, through training and operational support across five distinct projects: 1) Engineering 2) Medical 3) C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers (C4), Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR)) and Camp Security Technologies, 4) Counter-Improvised Explosive Devices (C-IED) and 5) Telemedicine. The newly established C-IED pillar demonstrates TPP’s established cooperation with the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS), and its expansion into C-IED training for Police-Contributing Countries (PCC), in partnership with the Department of Peace Operations (UNMAS, the Police Division, and the Integrated Training Service). The joint PCC project highlights TPP’s renewed commitment to enhance the safety and security of Troop and Police-Contributing Countries deploying to peace operations.
TPP’s training efforts, also in cooperation with UNMAS, continue to be reflected through its cross-cutting, multi-pillar and multi-national trainings. From May to June, TPP conducted a set of four Training of Trainers (TOT) courses focused on: Heavy Engineering Equipment (HEE) Operation, Field Medicine, Explosive Hazard Awareness and IED Threat Mitigation. This approach strives to establish long-term national and regional capacities. Additionally, the TPP conducted its first Field Medical Assistants Course (FMAC) TOT in Uganda, entirely led by former course graduates for future course instructors. TPP also expanded its e-Learning offering with the newly launched “Construction Management in UN Peace Operations” available in English, and “Environmental Management – Best Practices for Environmental Stewardship in UN Peace Operations” available in both English and French through the UN Peacekeeping Resource Hub.
This June, TPP will conduct its annual Stakeholders’ Workshop, bringing together Member States to help chart the Programme’s future based on identified capability gaps and UN and AU peace operations requirements. Hosted by the Government of Viet Nam and co-chaired by the Governments of Australia and Japan, the Workshop will also serve as an opportunity to delve into the importance of regional partnerships for effective peacekeeping and operational support.

The TPP welcomes the continued active participation of Member States in training in the above-mentioned key peacekeeping capability areas. Member States are encouraged to actively participate in TPP trainings by nominating trainees, notably women participants, deploying trainers, hosting facilities, and providing equipment, funding and other in-kind support. Member States interested in training and partnership opportunities can contact dos-tpp@un.org. For more information, please consult the TPP Informational Video and the https://operationalsupport.un.org/en/tpp-overview.

The second pilot of the United Nations Military Performance Evaluators Course (UNMPEC) was conducted last year at Swiss Armed Forces International Command (SWISSINT), Switzerland. This iteration marked a significant milestone in the refinement and operationalization of the course and has proven its relevance as a tool to enhance the readiness, accountability, and implementation of evaluations across TCCs and peacekeeping missions. Member States are encouraged to support the Office of Military Affairs and host and fund the next edition of this course in 2026.

II. MISSION-SPECIFIC UNIT GAPS

All units required by field missions have been deployed from the PCRS and presently there are no mission-specific gaps. Two units have been selected from the PCRS to deploy to MONUSCO and are in generation and deployment stages: one Peacekeeping-Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Unmanned Aircraft Unit and one Infantry Battalion.
The PCRS Rapid Deployment Level (RDL) is critical in allowing the Secretariat to promptly respond to any new immediate requirements from existing missions and to support plans for the quick start-up of a new mission. Following the selection of one Infantry Battalion for deployment to MONUSCO, the RDL will have important gaps, including one tactical aviation unit and infantry capabilities.
Member States are therefore encouraged to elevate suitable pledges to RDL and to offer advanced capabilities that can help offset reduced troop numbers while preserving operational effectiveness.

III. GENERAL CAPABILITIES

In the current operating environment, marked by increasingly fragmented and regionalized conflicts, the proliferation of non-State armed groups, the use of new technologies, and tighter financial constraints, United Nations peacekeeping requires capabilities that enhance situational awareness, mobility, force protection, and rapid response. Military and police capabilities pledged by Member States must therefore be adaptable to both current gaps and emerging short-term requirements.

Recent activities of the Strategic Force Generation and Capability Planning Cell (SFGCPC) continue to support targeted engagement with Member States, including through analysis of priority gaps and follow-up on pledges that can improve readiness and responsiveness. The Strategic Force Generation Cell will also conduct a PCRS and SUR-development workshop to further help refine requirements for priority units, ensuring that statements of unit requirements remain realistic, mission-focused and aligned with emerging operational needs. Member States will be consulted to support this activity.
The following section outlines the military and police capabilities that are seen as necessary for current and likely for future peacekeeping missions. These types of units serve as the backbone for mandate implementation or for the safety and protection of peacekeepers. Member States are particularly encouraged to pledge advanced, enabling and force-multiplying capabilities that can compensate for reductions in troop numbers, improve reach and protection, and help missions operate effectively with a lighter footprint.

Air Assets

Armed Utility Helicopter Units are critical specialized capabilities for UN peacekeeping operations, combining the flexibility of utility aviation with enhanced deterrent and force-protection functions. They can contribute to mandate delivery through troop insertions and extractions, transport of quick reaction forces, passenger transportation, medical transportation (CASEVAC/MEDEVAC), air reconnaissance, support to airmobile operations, search and rescue (SAR), combat search and rescue (CSAR), patrol, observation and monitoring, troop movements, logistic support, aerial resupply, and cargo resupply. In addition, when appropriately configured, such units can provide close air support, show of presence, show of force, armed escort, armed overwatch, armed reconnaissance, and combat resupply, enhancing deterrence and the safety and security of peacekeepers in higher-threat environments. Well-equipped helicopter units of this type remain in high demand and short in supply.

Tactical Transport Fixed-Wing Aviation Units are also important elements for providing flexibility and rapid response, extending missions’ footprint, and increasing missions’ ability to support components deployed in locations that cannot be sustained by roads. Despite continuing challenges related to host-State authorization for deployment and utilization, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) continue to be required in the medium to long term as critical intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance tools that form part of the United Nations’ peacekeeping-intelligence and ISR architecture, while also reducing risk in logistic activities. This includes UAS Class I, Class II, and Class III. Micro and mini UAS Class I may be deployed as organic equipment to support ground units in early warning and observation. All UAS classes should be deployable and redeployable with ease in order to observe incidents in real time, monitor safe demilitarized border zones, detect civil intrusions into buffer zones, detect and deter illegal activities, conduct surveillance of opposing-force positions, help protect peacekeepers, and map or record terrain changes. The Secretariat is also studying the use of UAS for cargo and medical delivery, emergency response, and environmental monitoring.

Military Ground Forces

Quick reaction forces (QRF) at company level that are agile and adaptable to evolving situations provide Force and Sector commanders with the ability to intervene rapidly in contingency situations and reinforce planned operations. Infantry Battalions remain required in large United Nations peacekeeping missions and must be able to respond quickly to urgent requirements while maintaining a lighter footprint, without losing their robust posture or the conditions necessary for the safe implementation of mandates. To allow the configuration of operational elements for different types of tasks, most Quick Reaction Forces and Infantry Battalions’ Statements of Unit Requirements (SUR) require high-mobility light tactical vehicles (HMLTV) and reconnaissance vehicles.

Force Protection and Mandate Implementation

Some capabilities are required both for force protection and for the effective implementation of mandated tasks with high-end capabilities in higher-threat environments. Troop- and Police-Contributing Countries (T/PCCs) must be capable of adjusting their units or generating independent units. Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) units and capabilities are required to contribute to missions’ overall capacity to respond to increasing EOD threats, especially those arising from Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), which affect freedom of manoeuvre and the safety and security of peacekeepers.

In missions facing UAS threats, force protection requirements should also include layered counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) and, where appropriate, counter-rocket, artillery and mortar (C-RAM) capabilities, integrated into base defence, command and control, early warning and response procedures. Recent policy and equipment developments have reinforced the importance of incorporating such capabilities into mission planning and operational protection measures.

Engineering Units

Military Engineering Units continue to play a crucial role in United Nations peacekeeping operations, contributing to mission success and creating conditions for effective mandate implementation. Engineering Units are responsible for constructing and maintaining critical infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and airstrips, which are essential for the mobility of peacekeeping forces and the delivery of humanitarian assistance, among other tasks. These units may also support transition phases in coordination with humanitarian and development agencies, as well as host authorities and local populations. Besides regular horizontal and vertical works, additional bridging, mobility-support, and EOD-related capabilities continue to be requested from these units.

Police

In line with current and emerging uniformed capability requirements, it is not sufficient for units to be well equipped in terms of equipment; commanders must also be able to understand and address related challenges, having a common understanding of performance-related issues, FPU generation mechanisms, pre-deployment training, and COE matters, as well as the recent changes in key guiding documents such as the revised FPU Policy, PCRS Guidelines, and the COE Manual, among others.
To support this, the Police Division, in collaboration with field missions and some Member States, conducts annual FPU Commanders’ workshops. These workshops include tailored mission scenarios and address topics such as command and control, welfare, gender issues, and conduct and discipline, all of which are thoroughly discussed. In addition, the hosting of performance-related FPU workshops and seminars by PCCs has been one of the key drivers for improving performance. These forums provide valuable opportunities to discuss operational gaps and identify practical measures to address them effectively.

Formed Police Units (FPU) are the core of uniformed police capabilities in UN missions. They should be equipped with relevant capabilities, such as SWAT, rapid reaction, canine and/or riverine elements (e.g., two FPUs at rapid deployment level require SWAT capabilities, one of them being francophone). A platoon size of women as part of each FPU remains essential. Considering the operational realities on the ground and the expanded area of operations following the implementation of liquidity contingency planning, priority should be given to deploying FPUs with embedded personnel who possess expertise in ammunition management and IED awareness, particularly in high-threat environments. Additionally, selected members should receive advanced IED awareness training.
Guard Units (GU) and Rapid Response Police Units (RRPU) protect mainly UN personnel and facilities. Rapid Response Police Units are smaller police contingents (about 60 to 80 strength), highly specialized and quickly deployable to support specific mission requirements. As the RRPUs cannot deploy in full self-sustainment, they will require sustainment and logistic support from other units already deployed.
Currently deployed formed police units still require compatible satellite phones, unmanned aircraft system micro (multirotor), force protection surveillance equipment, day and night cameras for camp security, inside base surveillance dome camera (360º + thermal view), armored personnel carriers (APC) wheeled ambulance/rescue, and all-terrain vehicles light. Some PCCs will require support to augment COE so that they meet the renewed statement of unit requirements in line with mission mandates and to enhance safety and security and undertake protection tasks. The UN Secretariat can facilitate bilateral partnerships with concerned PCCs to fill such gaps.
Language skills are also essential. For example, among the current pledges in the PCRS, 89% are from anglophone Member States, while two of the major missions are francophone. Francophone Member States are therefore strongly encouraged to pledge FPUs, Police Guard Units, and SPTs.
Specialized Police Teams (SPTs) remain a critical capability for United Nations peace operations, providing specialized expertise that complements the work of regular Individual Police Officers and Formed Police Units in addressing mission-specific priorities. Given the evolving security environment and increasingly complex mandates in major field missions, there is a growing need for SPTs in key areas such as community-oriented policing, forensic investigations, scientific police services (police scientifique), border management, airport security, counter-narcotics, and the prevention and investigation of serious and transnational crimes.

These specialized capacities enhance host-State law enforcement institutions, strengthen rule of law efforts, improve criminal investigation and evidence management processes, and support the development of sustainable national policing capabilities. The deployment of appropriately trained and equipped SPTs enables missions to address critical operational gaps, respond effectively to emerging threats, and provide targeted technical assistance in areas where specialized expertise is essential to mandate implementation.

IV. INTEGRATED PEACEKEEPING-INTELLIGENCE, SURVEILLANCE AND RECONNAISSANCE UNITS (PKISR)

Troop- and Police-Contributing Countries intending to pledge peacekeeping-intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities for future United Nations peacekeeping operations should be prepared to provide an integrated, deployable and mission-ready PKISR unit able to deliver a complete operational effect and not simply isolated platforms, sensors or specialist teams. These units can be UAS units, manned fixed-wing units, recce companies and units like the MONUSCO tactical Intelligence Unit (TIU) and the Geolocation and Threat Analysis Unit (GTAU).

An effective PKISR unit must combine two distinct but inseparable functions within one coherent capability. First, it must provide a technical and tactical collection function: personnel, platforms and systems able to detect, observe, monitor, acquire and record relevant information in support of mission requirements. This may include, as appropriate to the requirement, airborne, ground-based or other technical means capable of day and night operation, persistent surveillance, target or threat indication, location finding, pattern-of-life development, movement tracking, imagery acquisition, communications-related detection within the applicable UN policy and legal framework, and other approved collection activities.
Second, it must provide an analytical and exploitation function: personnel and systems able to process, evaluate, exploit, integrate, interpret and disseminate the information collected. This means transforming raw data and observations into fused reporting, threat warnings, intelligence summaries, assessments and other mission-relevant products that answer commanders’ priority intelligence and information requirements and can directly support protection of civilians, force protection and intelligence-led operations.
In simple terms: the UN does not need only “eyes and ears”; it also needs the “brain” that turns what is collected into usable operational output. A PKISR pledge must therefore include both: collection assets and operators, and analysts and exploitation staff able to turn collection into warning, assessment and decision support.
To be credible, such a unit must also be able to operate as part of the broader mission peacekeeping-intelligence architecture, fully interoperable with United Nations command, control, tasking, reporting and information-management arrangements. In practice, this means the unit must be able to receive tasking derived from mission information requirements, contribute to mission and force acquisition plans, share information and reporting in approved formats, and work in close coordination with the relevant military, police and civilian intelligence structures rather than functioning as a stand-alone national capability.

Contributors should further ensure that pledged personnel are trained not only on the equipment itself, but also on UN policy, legal and human rights requirements, analytical methods, reporting procedures, secure information handling, and sustained field operations in austere and liquidity-constrained peacekeeping environments.

Besides the already known payloads usually required in UAS and Manned Fixed-wing ISR units, Ground ISR units will require Electronic Support Measures (ESM) capabilities to enable them to passively detect, intercept, identify, direction-find, record and analyze radar and communications emissions in support of situational awareness, threat warning and operational decision-making. Such capability typically includes receivers, antenna and direction-finding systems, and associated analysis and recording equipment deployed on portable, mobile or fixed platforms, depending on mission requirements.
The United Nations will assess such pledges not only for the presence of specialist equipment, but for the proven ability of the pledged unit to function continuously, responsibly and effectively as a disciplined, integrated and policy-compliant PKISR capability.

V. EBOLA VIRUS DISEASE PREPAREDNESS FOR TROOP- AND POLICE-CONTRIBUTING COUNTRIES (T/PCCS)

In light of the ongoing outbreak of Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda (WHO Disease Outbreak News), T/PCCs deploying personnel to affected or at-risk areas should ensure that all uniformed personnel receive pre-deployment awareness training on Ebola transmission, prevention, and reporting procedures.
Ebola is not an airborne disease; it is transmitted through direct contact with the blood, body fluids, tissues, or contaminated materials of an infected person or animal. The risk to UN military and police personnel remains low when appropriate preventive measures are followed.
T/PCCs should reinforce strict adherence to infection prevention measures, including frequent hand hygiene; avoidance of contact with sick individuals, human remains, or potentially infected animals; and prompt reporting of any personnel who develop compatible symptoms following potential exposure. For any personnel and health care workers who may be involved in casualty care, medical support, patient transport, or other activities involving potential exposure to body fluids, units should ensure the availability of basic protective supplies, including:

• alcohol-based hand rub,
• disposable gloves,
• medical masks,
• eye protection, and
• appropriate Ebola-grade personal protective equipment (PPE).
  

Personnel should not provide direct care to suspected Ebola cases unless specifically trained, equipped, and authorized to do so. Contingents should maintain procedures for early identification, isolation, medical evaluation, and reporting of suspected cases, in coordination with mission medical services and established host-country public health protocols.
T/PCCs should ensure that all deploying personnel are familiar with mission procedures for reporting illness, accessing medical evaluation, isolation arrangements, and obtaining support from mission medical services. Contingents should also review their internal medical contingency plans and ensure that commanders, medical personnel, and individual uniformed personnel clearly understand their respective responsibilities in the event of a suspected Ebola case. Recurrent drills are an effective means of increasing awareness, ensuring guidelines are followed and gaps identified.
T/PCCs are encouraged to review mission-specific Ebola preparedness measures, ensure that deployed medical personnel are familiar with current WHO and United Nations guidance, and maintain readiness to support contact tracing, monitoring, and operational continuity measures should the outbreak expand. Prior to deployment, T/PCCs should also verify that minimum stocks of essential infection prevention supplies are available and maintained throughout deployment. Preparedness efforts should focus on prevention, early detection, timely reporting, and strict compliance with infection prevention and control procedures. For more information on Ebola disease, please see https://operationalsupport.un.org/en/ebola-virus-disease-ebod
T/PCCs should reinforce that Ebola preparedness is a force protection issue. A soldier would not knowingly walk into hostile fire without appropriate protection; similarly, personnel should not place themselves at risk of exposure to Ebola by disregarding infection prevention and control measures. Hand hygiene, appropriate use of PPE if relevant, early reporting of symptoms, and compliance with medical guidance are critical protective measures that help safeguard individual personnel, their colleagues, and mission operations.