Finland conducts largest civil defense exercise since WWII to prepare for potential Russian attack
Finland held its largest civil defense exercise since World War II, with over 2,000 participants rehearsing responses to missile strikes and cyberattacks. The exercise in Kuopio involved shelters and conscripts, including training on radiation measurement. Finland joined NATO in 2024 and looks to Ukraine for lessons on civilian defense.
Finland's civil defense system relies on extensive underground shelters built into bedrock, with the largest in Kuopio capable of housing 7,000 people. The exercise scenario simulated cyberattacks disrupting power and water, alongside missile threats, reflecting current hybrid warfare concerns. Finnish conscription remains a cornerstone of national defense, instilling civilian preparedness that organizers say is essential for resilience.
Energy infrastructure has become a particular focus, with Savon Voima reporting increased cyberattacks since 2022 and unexplained stickers placed on vulnerable equipment. Officials emphasize citizens should be self-sufficient for at least 72 hours, a standard drawn from lessons observed in Ukraine where civilians often had only minutes to find shelter.
This exercise could reshape how European nations approach civilian preparedness, potentially influencing defense spending priorities across NATO member states. Communities near critical infrastructure may face heightened vigilance requirements, while businesses could see new security protocols emerge. The emphasis on hybrid threats—cyberattacks, sabotage, drones—may accelerate public-private cooperation on resilience planning, affecting how utilities and local governments allocate resources in coming years.