Germany conducts large-scale disaster response exercise

Approximately 1,100 emergency responders participated in a major three-day disaster simulation at the Oberlausitz military training area near Weißkeißel. The exercise, titled “MURE 26,” simulated a severe train collision between a passenger train and a military transport train, resulting in numerous casualties.

A critical component of the drill was the simulated total failure of the public mobile network, reportedly caused by a cyberattack. This forced the Bundeswehr, police, fire departments, and the Technical Relief Agency (THW) to rely on the Digitalfunk BOS, a specialized, encrypted digital radio network designed for security authorities to maintain communication during infrastructure collapses.

The scenario required rescuers to manage a mass casualty incident (MANV), including the rescue of 50 seriously injured individuals from difficult-to-reach areas using helicopters and specialized equipment.