Locked Shields 2024, one of the most complex cyber defence exercises worldwide, begins this week with Lithuania joining in a team with the Netherlands.
“We have to persistently look for ways to strengthen national and regional cyber security and our ability to give a united response to cyber threats. Training in exercises of such scope is a particularly efficient way to discover your strengths, improve interoperability with NATO Allies and share practical experience. As we joint the exercise with Dutch cyber defence experts, we are able to learn from each other and strengthen bilateral cooperation,” said Vice Minister of National Defence Greta Monika Tučkutė.
Vic Minister toured infrastructure designed for the exercise with Ambassador of the Netherlands to Lithuania HE Jack Twiss Quarles van Ufford and other guests. They familiarized with the exercise concept and took a closer look at the level of readiness of the joint team. This year the team is formed by cyber defence experts from the Armed Forces of Lithuania and the Netherlands, the Lithuanian team also includes specialists from the National Cyber Security Centre, Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union, the academic community and business.
Cyber defence Locked Shields is organized by the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre (CCDCOE). This year it will train approx. 4000 experts from over 40 countries to join forces in a simulated environment to protect infrastructure of a fictional country. They will follow through a fictitious yet realistic scenario protecting actual computer systems against thousands of incidents and taking tactical and strategic decisions in emergency.
The bilateral military cooperation between Lithuania and the Netherlands encompasses numerous areas. Lithuanian and Dutch cyber experts have been developing close partnership in the EU Cyber Rapid Reaction Team (CRRT) for years now. The Netherlands actively contribute to the NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battalion Battle Group Lithuania and the NATO Air Policing Mission in the Baltic states. The Netherlands plans deploying the Patriot aircraft and missile defence system to Lithuania this summer.
Photo credit: SSgt A. Čemerka / MoD
