ILVES 2026 Becomes the Largest Crisis Exercise in Estonia’s History

According to Prime Minister Kristen Michal, ILVES 2026 was a landmark and highly successful exercise for Estonia. "Never before have we conducted a non-military crisis exercise on this scale and across all levels of comprehensive national defence. The fact that nearly 4,000 participants from more than 150 organisations took part instead of the 3,000 originally expected demonstrates Estonia's strong commitment to national resilience and the society's willingness to contribute to security," said Michal.

"I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the success of ILVES 2026, especially the lead organisers at the Government Office of Estonia and the Ministry of the Interior, as well as all participants who took part in this major exercise, which has been in preparation for a long time," the Prime Minister added.

"At international meetings, I often highlight Estonia's strong contribution to military defence and our support for Ukraine. ILVES 2026 demonstrates that we are equally committed to comprehensive defence. We are building a society where essential services continue to function during crises, infrastructure remains resilient, and the state, local governments, businesses and communities know how to act together. As a result of ILVES, we are undoubtedly more resilient and better prepared to safeguard the security of Estonia's people, our way of life and the state as a whole," said the Prime Minister.

The exercise was based on a scenario in which Estonia had to respond to hybrid attacks by a hostile state seeking to undermine Estonia's constitutional order and challenge the integrity and functioning of the state through non-military means. Participants practised responding to situations involving mass public disorder, information operations, sabotage, sudden attacks and other crises designed to disrupt everyday life, create fear and uncertainty, and erode public trust in state institutions.

Throughout the main exercise week, hundreds of interconnected crisis incidents were conducted across Estonia. Their resolution involved thousands of participants and tested the ability of state authorities, local municipalities, vital service providers and communities to act rapidly, in a coordinated manner and with determination.

More than 150 organisations from the public sector, private sector and civil society participated in ILVES 2026, including the Office of the President of Estonia, the Riigikogu, the Government Office of Estonia, ministries, government agencies, local municipalities, vital service providers, churches and congregations, non-governmental organisations, the Estonian Defence Forces and the Estonian Defence League. Several sub-exercises also involved local businesses, including water utilities, retail chains and other private-sector partners. While the exercise was initially planned for 3,000 participants, approximately 4,000 people from across Estonia ultimately took part in the comprehensive defence exercise.

ILVES 2026 was organised by the Government Office of Estonia in cooperation with the Ministry of the Interior and other partner organisations.

ILVES 2026 photo gallery for media use (updated continuously): https://www.flickr.com/photos/stenbockimaja/albums/72177720334140408/

Broadcast-quality video footage from the exercise, including B-roll footage and short video clips, is available to media outlets upon request.

Further Information
Maris Lindmäe
Communications Adviser
Government Office of Estonia
+372 5366 5040

Kommunikatsioonibüroo, Riigikantselei