Some 150 specialists from Lithuania take part in Locked Shields cyber defense exercise

VILNIUS – About 150 specialists from Lithuania are taking part in NATO's Locked Shields 2025 cyber defense exercise as part of a joint team, the Defense Ministry said on Tuesday.

This year, Lithuania's team includes around 150 specialists from the Defense Ministry, the Lithuanian Armed Forces' Cyber Defense Command, the National Cyber Security Center, the Riflemen's Union, and the business and academic sectors.

Lithuania has formed a joint team with Estonia, Ukraine and Montenegro for the international exercise.

Locked Shields 2025 is based on a hypothetical scenario involving two fictional island nations in the Atlantic Ocean, which were once regional rivals.

According to the Defense Ministry, this year's scenario builds on storylines from previous exercises and introduces new challenges and cyber incidents that reflect current geopolitical threats.

Deputy Defense Minister Tomas Godliauskas said that this year's exercise brings together experts from 40 countries, which helps significantly bolster the security of countries, governments and citizens.

Previously known as Baltic Cyber Shield, the exercise is organized by the NATO Cyber Defense Centre of Excellence, with Lithuania taking part since 2010.

The exercise simulates various incidents that could affect telecommunications, energy, satellite communications and other areas of national security importance. At the same time, the strategic decision-making element of the exercise tests national and international procedures for responding to crises in the international arena.