On April 20–24, one of the largest and most complex cyber defence exercise worldwide, Locked Shields 2026, is organised by the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence (CCDCOE). The participating countries form teams to tackle exercise challenges: this year, Lithuania’s teammate is Japan.
“Security in cyberspace is always collective, none of the countries can isolate. Therefore, the opportunity to train with our partners, exchange experience and learn from each other, is critical in strengthening both national and regional security. It is particularly significant to be able to form the team with Japan this year as a clear sign of substantial recognition and trust. Such cooperation not only facilitates development of practical skill needed to counter complex cyber-attacks but also building a stronger worldwide resilience based on mutual values,” says Vice Minister of National Defence Tomas Godliauskas. The annual training event allows the participants to train in real-life conditions perfecting their ability to counter complex cyber-attacks, strengthen mutual interoperability among the countries, exchange expertise and take the general understanding of global cybersecurity trends to a new level. The exercise scenarios challenge the participants to respond to various incidents threatening critical infrastructure and training their ability to counter cyber threats with speed and coordination.
This year the exercise involves representatives of approx. 40 countries, including NATO Allies, as it significantly contributes to the effort to strengthen collective cyber defence and multinational cooperation.
Participants join the exercise by distance means from their home countries. The Lithuanian and Japanese team members contribute from home (Tokyo, Ichihara, in case of Japan), while the organisation and command element is based in Tallinn, Estonia.
Cybersecurity experts join Locked Shields 2026 on Lithuania’s behalf from the National Cyber Security Centre, Ministry of National Defence, Lithuanian Armed Forces, Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union, as well as business and academic communities.
The Japanese part of the team are delegated by the Ministry of Defence, other Ministries and institutions.
The multinational exercise ir organised by the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence (CCDCOE), the key NATO and partners’ Centre of Excellence in the area of cyber defence.
Photo credit: SSgt A. Čemerka / MoD
