Finland has conducted its largest civil defense exercise since the end of World War II, involving over 2,000 participants simulating responses to cyberattacks and potential missile strikes. The drill, named Shelter 2026, took place in the central Finnish city of Kuopio and focused on preparing local authorities and citizens for scenarios involving disruptions to critical infrastructure.
The exercise scenario included simulated cyberattacks that crippled power and water supplies, alongside the threat of missile strikes, reflecting heightened security concerns in the region, particularly following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Participants practiced in a civil defense shelter designed to withstand nuclear or biological attacks, sleeping on temporary beds and learning how to manage the facility.
Organizers emphasized that civil defense in Finland relies not only on military strength but also on the "mindset" of ordinary citizens ready to take responsibility for national security. This readiness is partly attributed to Finland's continued conscription system, which prepares a broad segment of the population for defense.
Retired Army Colonel Asko Muhonen, who organized the exercise, noted that lessons are being learned from Ukraine, where citizens often have very little time to find shelter. The emphasis is shifting towards easily accessible protection rather than solely large-scale, hardened facilities. A Ukrainian student participating in the drill shared his experience of sheltering in his building's entrance hall during missile attacks in Odesa, highlighting how prior training could have been beneficial.
Officials from Savon Voima, the regional electricity company, reported a significant increase in cyberattacks against their network since Finland stopped purchasing Russian biofuel. They also noted the discovery of stickers on vulnerable parts of the energy infrastructure, the origin of which remains unknown, and drone sightings over power lines. While the Finnish Security and Intelligence Service stated that investigations into such "observations" have not found immediate cause for concern, the incidents contribute to a general increase in public vigilance.
Concerns extend beyond cyber threats, with natural weather events like heavy snowfall and storms also posing risks to infrastructure. However, the increase in cyber activity has been a more recent development. The exercise also underscored the importance of self-sufficiency, with preparations for individuals to manage without external help for at least 72 hours in case of power or water outages.
The historical context of Finnish-Soviet wars, where Finland lost territory and a significant portion of its population was displaced, informs the current emphasis on preparedness. Older participants recalled firsthand experiences of wartime bombings and the need to flee their homes, with some expressing renewed anxiety following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Younger participants, including schoolchildren and university students, engaged in the drills to understand potential future challenges. Conscripts involved in the exercise expressed a pragmatic understanding of the need for such practices, citing historical events and Russia's actions as reasons for vigilance. The sentiment among some Finns is that "the best defense of Finland is to make it not worth attacking," emphasizing a collective responsibility and a strong sense of national identity.
The exercise aimed to reinforce this societal mindset, ensuring that citizens understand their role in national security and are prepared to act in a crisis. The drills involved various age groups, from conscripts to students, demonstrating a nationwide approach to civil defense readiness. The overall feeling is that Finland is a nation with "something we want to fight for," a sentiment cultivated through community initiatives and a deep-rooted sense of duty.