Kuopio to host Suojaan 2026 civil defense and extreme weather exercise

Authorities are preparing for the ‘Suojaan 2026’ civil defense exercise, scheduled for September 2–3, 2026, in Kuopio, Finland. The exercise aims to test large-scale population protection, inter-agency cooperation, and practical civil defense models.

A specific component of the exercise, the ‘Sähäri 2026’ project organized by Savonia University of Applied Sciences and the Emergency Services Academy, will focus on extreme weather scenarios. This includes managing climate risks related to water and food security. The simulation scenario involves a multi-crisis situation where drought, heatwaves, and heavy rainfall impact agriculture, strain power grids, and cause forest fires and smoke, disrupting logistics and transport.

Additionally, the project includes the development of a near-photorealistic virtual training environment based on the Kuopio Cave. Funded by the European Union and the City of Kuopio, this digital simulation will allow for large-scale training of personnel in civil defense operations, including scenarios that are difficult to practice during peacetime. The digital environment is intended for use by Kuopio’s rescue authorities and may have future international applications.