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Finland Conducts Largest Civil Defense Exercise in Europe Since World War II

Finland recently conducted its largest civil defense exercise in Europe since the end of World War II. The drill, known as Shelter 2026, involved more than 2,000 participants, including volunteers, students, and military conscripts, in the central Finnish city of Kuopio. Participants rehearsed responses to scenarios involving cyberattacks on critical infrastructure, such as power and water supplies, and potential missile strikes from Russia. The exercise took place in a large underground sports complex built into rock, which serves as a shelter for up to 7,000 people. Retired Army Colonel Asko Muhonen, who organized the exercise, stated that Finland's defense relies on the mindset of ordinary citizens who are ready to take responsibility for their country's security. The drill comes as Finland faces heightened threats from its neighbor, Russia, following its entry into NATO in 2023. Juha Räsänen, CEO of the Savon Voima electricity company, noted that cyberattacks against the electricity network in county Kuopio have significantly increased since the invasion of Ukraine. He emphasized that people should be prepared to look after themselves for at least 72 hours if power or water supplies are disrupted.

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