Key Developments
On 19 April 2026, the Bundeswehr outlined NATO’s Locked Shields cyber defence exercise, stating it trained about 4,000 participants from 41 nations to protect critical infrastructure through real-time attack simulations, according to the Bundeswehr.
Key Statistics
- 4,000 participants trained in Locked Shields
- 41 nations engaged in the exercise
- Historical: €1.07 billion invested in 57 European Defence Fund projects in 2026
- Historical: 6,400 Allied Reaction Force personnel involved in Quadriga 2026
Main Body
On 19 April 2026, the Bundeswehr highlighted NATO’s Locked Shields exercise, noting it involved about 4,000 participants from 41 nations. The Bundeswehr said the drill trained military and civilian experts to defend critical infrastructure against sophisticated cyber attacks using realistic, time-pressured scenarios.
According to the Bundeswehr, Locked Shields simulated complex offensive and defensive cyber operations that tested joint incident response, forensics, legal and media handling, and protection of essential services. The exercise was designed to strengthen cooperation across government, military, and civilian sectors so teams could maintain continuity of operations under sustained cyber pressure.
The Bundeswehr’s emphasis on cyber readiness sat alongside broader readiness activities. The Bundeswehr reported that its Quadriga 2026 series demonstrated Germany’s role as a logistical hub, supporting 6,400 Allied Reaction Force personnel, handling 75 flights, and supplying 300,000 liters of fuel, according to a Bundeswehr update. At EU level, the European Commission announced €1.07 billion for 57 projects under the European Defence Fund to enhance readiness, including air and drone defence priorities, as stated by the European Commission.
The exercise’s focus on protecting critical infrastructure aligned with EU efforts to secure networks and digital backbones. The European Commission noted it convened a high-level study visit on secure, resilient, and trusted connectivity and digital infrastructure to promote cooperation among policymakers and experts, underscoring the importance of cyber resilience for European security and continuity of services, according to the European Commission.
