Finland is currently hosting its largest civil defense exercise since World War II, involving over 2,000 participants. The drill, taking place in the central Finnish city of Kuopio, simulates scenarios where critical infrastructure, including power and water systems, has been disrupted by cyberattacks, with an added threat of missile strikes from neighboring Russia.
The exercise aims to allow local authorities and ordinary citizens to rehearse their responses to real-world attacks. Participants are practicing operating within a civil defense shelter carved into rock, designed to protect against nuclear or biological threats, where hundreds are sleeping on temporary beds.
This large-scale drill underscores Finland's heightened security awareness, particularly after joining NATO in 2024, following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Historically, Finland prepared to defend itself against Russia largely independently. Retired Army Colonel Asko Muhonen, who organized the Kuopio exercise, emphasized that Finland's defense relies not only on its military but also on the "mindset" of its citizens, who are prepared to take responsibility for national security. This preparedness is partly attributed to Finland's continued conscription system.
Lessons from the conflict in Ukraine are being integrated into the training. Muhonen noted that while large shelters offer robust protection, the Ukrainian experience shows the need for easily accessible shelters, such as subway stations or underground parking lots, that can provide immediate protection in a crisis. Dmytro Untila, a Ukrainian student who experienced missile strikes in Odesa, stated that prior training would have been beneficial.
Infrastructure Threats and Public Vigilance
Local authorities and utility companies are also using the exercise to address current threats. Juha Räsänen, CEO of Savon Voima electricity company, highlighted that while natural weather events are primary threats to energy infrastructure, cyberattacks have significantly increased since Finland stopped purchasing Russian biofuel. Räsänen also mentioned the discovery of stickers on vulnerable energy network components and drone sightings over power lines, although the perpetrators remain unidentified.
The exercise emphasizes the importance of self-sufficiency, with citizens expected to be prepared to manage without power or safe drinking water for at least 72 hours. While the Finnish Security and Intelligence Service has investigated various observations, including suspicious stickers and drone sightings, they have stated that most have been explained by ordinary occurrences or land survey work. However, some citizens report ongoing issues like GPS signal jamming.
Historical Context and National Resilience
Finland's history with Russia, including territorial losses and significant population displacement during past conflicts, informs its current approach to defense. Elderly survivors of WWII shared harrowing accounts of bombings, forced evacuations, and the burning of homes. For individuals like 92-year-old Aili Toivanen, the 2022 invasion of Ukraine evoked fears of having to leave her home for a third time.
The current generation of Finns, like 23-year-old conscript Jyry Pietikainen, view national service as a duty tied to preserving independence, acknowledging the historical context of potential threats from Russia. The exercise also involves younger participants, such as 11-year-old Amanda Hill, who recognize the importance of such training for children who might need to act independently during a crisis.