More than 2,000 volunteers, conscripts, and students participated in Europe’s largest civil defense exercise since World War II in Kuopio, Finland, on September 2, 2026. The drill simulated a scenario in which critical infrastructure—including power and water—was disrupted by cyberattacks, while missile strikes from a neighboring country posed an additional threat. Authorities and participants rehearsed emergency responses, including the activation of underground shelters designed to withstand nuclear, biological, and chemical threats.
The exercise took place in a rock-hewn shelter normally used as a sports hall, where hundreds slept on trestle beds overnight. Inside, Finnish conscripts in hazmat suits conducted radiation measurements, simulating a response to a potential radiological incident. The shelter’s blast-resistant doors and ventilation systems were tested as part of the drill.
Finland’s 830-mile border with Russia has heightened concerns about potential hybrid threats, including sabotage and disinformation campaigns. Western officials have previously accused Russia of conducting cyberattacks, drone incursions, and physical sabotage against European infrastructure, such as power stations and water facilities. The exercise aimed to prepare local authorities and civilians for coordinated attacks on critical systems.
Finland joined NATO in 2024, alongside Sweden, following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Prior to this, Finland relied on a civil defense strategy centered on public preparedness and military resilience. Retired Army Colonel Asko Muhonen, who organized the drill, emphasized that Finland’s defense depends not only on military capabilities but also on the ‘mindset’ of ordinary citizens, who are trained to take responsibility for national security.
The exercise included 2,000 participants, including volunteers, conscripts, and students, who practiced shelter management, radiation monitoring, and infrastructure restoration. Officials described the drill as a proactive measure to ensure readiness amid evolving security threats.
Key Objectives of the Exercise:
- Simulate large-scale infrastructure disruptions caused by cyberattacks and missile strikes.
- Test emergency shelter operations, including radiation detection and decontamination procedures.
- Reinforce public and institutional preparedness for hybrid warfare tactics.
- Evaluate coordination between local authorities, military, and civilian volunteers.
The drill follows reports of Russian hybrid activities in Europe, including drone incursions, cyber intrusions, and alleged sabotage targeting energy and water systems. Finnish officials stated that the exercise was not tied to any specific threat but reflected a broader need to enhance resilience against potential future attacks.
Background: Finland’s Civil Defense Strategy
Finland has maintained a comprehensive civil defense system since the Cold War, including thousands of shelters capable of housing millions. The country’s approach combines military deterrence with civilian readiness, including mandatory conscription for both men and women. The latest exercise builds on lessons learned from Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression, particularly in infrastructure protection and civilian mobilization.
Officials declined to specify which country was referenced in the exercise scenario but noted that the drill was designed to address generic but plausible threats to national security.