Cooperation and readiness
Comprehensive defence means that national security is not solely the responsibility of the armed forces. It is a shared effort that involves the entire society – public authorities, local municipalities, businesses, communities and the people of Estonia, each contributing according to their responsibilities and capabilities.
The goal is to ensure that, even in challenging circumstances, essential services continue to function, decisions can be made quickly, and people know how to act.
By understanding the nature and seriousness of crises, as well as the roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders in preventing and managing them, we can prepare more effectively and respond more rapidly when crises occur.
This enables us to build a society that is ready for any crisis. It is a shared readiness founded on cooperation, trust and informed action.
One of Estonia’s largest crisis exercises
More than 150 organisations are taking part in ILVES 2026, including public authorities, local governments, providers of essential services, and civil society organisations.
The objectives of ILVES 2026 are to:
- exercise leadership, coordination and decision-making processes;
- assess Estonia’s comprehensive defence capabilities;
- strengthen cooperation between organisations and sectors;
- enhance preparedness and response capabilities;
- increase national resilience and societal continuity.
The exercise provides an opportunity to evaluate how existing plans, processes and solutions perform under pressure, identify areas for improvement, and practice making rapid decisions and taking coordinated action in complex crisis situations.
Exercising preparedness
ILVES 2026 is a long-planned exercise and does not indicate any immediate threat. Such exercises are a normal part of ensuring national preparedness and strengthening cooperation across society. Readiness for crises is a shared responsibility, and maintaining it requires continuous training and practice.
Regular crisis management exercises are mandated by Estonia’s Emergency Act, which requires a nationwide crisis management exercise to be conducted at least once every four years. The most recent exercise series of this kind, CREVEX, took place in 2023.
ILVES focuses on ensuring the continuity of government and society during crises that disrupt everyday life. Participants train and test:
- crisis leadership, decision-making and coordination;
- public communication and guidance during emergencies;
- maintaining public order and security;
- evacuation procedures and rescue operations;
- the continuity of essential services, including electricity, communications, food and fuel supply;
- support for people who require assistance.
Through these scenarios, organisations strengthen their ability to act quickly, coordinate effectively and maintain vital functions under pressure.
LYNX 2026 takes place across Estonia throughout the year
The main phase of LYNX 2026 will take place across Estonia from 8–12 June 2026.
In addition, a range of preparatory activities and supporting exercises will be conducted throughout the year. These include exercises within and between organisations, training events, workshops, and the testing of cooperation and information-sharing processes.
Many of the activities associated with LYNX will take place behind the scenes and may not be visible to the public. During the main exercise period, however, people may notice increased activity by public authorities or receive notifications related to exercise scenarios. Information about such activities will be communicated in advance.
Where exercise activities take place in public spaces, local residents will be informed beforehand and all necessary measures will be taken to ensure public safety.
Additional information will be published on kriis.ee as the exercise approaches.
The lynx as a symbol of readiness
The name ILVES (LYNX) was chosen deliberately. The lynx is independent, intelligent and highly capable. It is rarely seen or heard, yet its presence is unmistakable. Always alert, it is ready to act when the moment demands it and to defend its territory with speed and determination.
The same principle applies to crisis preparedness. Readiness means that systems function, responsibilities are clear, cooperation works, and decisions are made at the right time. When a crisis occurs, action must be swift, coordinated and effective.
The lynx symbolises a readiness that extends across the whole of society. Public authorities, local municipalities, businesses and communities each play their part in ensuring that crises can be managed thoughtfully, rapidly and decisively. Together, they create a stronger and more resilient society.
This readiness is not built overnight. It is maintained, exercised and continuously strengthened.
Quietly ready. Just like the lynx.
Media
High resolution photo and video footage will be made available for media use.
For media enquiries, please contact: [email protected]
Last updated: 11.06.2026
