NATO holds Cyber Coalition 2018

Dutch Commander Alex De Nijs works as the Commander of the NATO International Security Force as part of Exercise Cyber Coalition at Tartu,  Estonia,  Nov. 28,  2018. Cyber Coalition is NATO’s flagship cyber exercise and is currently in its eleventh iteration. (NATO Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brett Dodge)

TALLINN, Estonia – NATO’s flagship cyber defence exercise Cyber Coalition 2018 is currently underway in Estonia from Nov. 26 - Nov. 30, 2018. The exercise, now in its eleventh iteration, sees approximately 700 participants from 28 NATO Allies and four partner nations work together in order to prepare and test our cyber defenders for the ever-evolving cyber threat.

"We’re having an excellent exercise this year, with great participation from NATO nations, organisations, and partners,” said U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander Robert Buckles, the exercise director. "Cyber Coalition 2018, a NATO ACT directed exercise, is able to fully integrate the recently established Cyber Operations Center (CyOC) at SHAPE. It’s a great opportunity for the two strategic commands to test procedures and policies in cyberspace, and we have reached our primary aim of the exercise to improve coordination and collaboration across the Alliance.”

The five-day exercise aims to prepare participants via realistic scenario based training in order to: enhance coordination and cooperation between NATO and participating nations, strengthen our ability to protect Alliance cyber space and conduct military operations in the cyber domain, and test NATO and national procedures on information sharing, situational awareness in cyber space and decision making.

"The members of the Nation of Estonia have been the most courteous hosts, especially those of the Estonian Defense Forces and Minister of Defence,” said Buckles. "The exercise has been hosted here in Tartu for the last several years. Estonia has established itself as one of the leading Nations in cyberspace and technology, and we are thankful to have had Cyber Coalition here once again."

The exercise will conclude on Nov. 30 after a media day and distinguished visitors day where participants can demonstrate their collective knowledge for various military and industry leaders as well as multinational media outlets.

Story by SHAPE Public Affairs Office