Media opportunities for physically covering LYNX 2026
Most exercises will take place behind closed doors for safety and security reasons. We will be glad to provide access to small number of media to the following exercises:
Monday, June 8
8.45 STARTEX in Tallinn
12.00-15.00 Urban search and rescue exercise in Lihula
Tuesday, June 9
12.00-15.00 Urban search and rescue exercise in Väike-Maarja
Wednesday, June 10
10.00-12.00 Official presentations from LYNX 2026 organizers and President of Estonia Alar Karis
12.00-14.00 Crowd and Riot Control Tactical Field Exercise in Paldiski
14.45-15.45 Large scale evacuation logistics exercise in Rapla
The organisers reserve the right to make changes to the programme, schedule and activities if necessary.
Request access via the accreditation form
Additional media opportunities in Estonia
Throughout the week of June 8-12, additional media opportunities may become available. Accredited journalists will be informed accordingly.
We also offer interview opportunities. Journalists interested in arranging interviews are kindly requested to notify the media contact in advance.
Please note that on Wednesday, June 10 at 15.00-15.00 there will be a regular nationwide public warning system EE-ALARM test (all alert channels will be activated, including sirens). LYNX 26 participants will be practising sheltering.
Please note that on June 9, the Nordic-Baltic Summit (NB8) will be taking place simultaneously in Tallinn. Separate accreditation is required, for more information please visit the following link: https://valitsus.ee/en/news/accreditation-invitation-9-june-nordic-baltic-summit-will-take-place-tallinn
Daily professional photo and video footage for media use
We will be providing professional photo and video footage for media to use for news purposes daily on June 8-12.
Footage will be provided from training events mentioned above as well as exercises where media participation is not possible for safety and security reasons.
To receive access to this footage please note it at the accreditation form.
Accreditation process
Media representatives wishing to cover LYNX 26 events are required to apply for accreditation no later than June 1, 2026 at 9 CET.
Please note that accreditation requests submitted after the deadline cannot be accommodated. Due to safety and space limitations, organisers may restrict the number of media representatives permitted to cover the exercise.
Accredited media outlets will receive the detailed programme of the meeting. Further information will also be published on the website riigikantselei.ee/en
Media contact:
Maris Lindmäe
Government Office of Estonia
[email protected]
+372 5366 5040
About LYNX 2026
LYNX 2026 has been designed as a complex crisis management and cooperation exercise, focused on how to successfully deal with influence by a hostile state, guaranteeing the continuity of the state and society. The main training week includes handling a variety of simultaneous crisis situations, including situations like information operations, large-scale public disorder, sabotage, explosions and drone threats. The focus will be on situations in which urgent decisions have to be taken, public order and public safety have to be ensured and vital services have to be kept running. The exercise will examine how crises are managed, how people work together and how information that is clear and reliable reaches people. Evacuations, rescue operations and the provision of assistance to people in need will also be practised, among other things.
LYNX 2026 is coordinated and funded by the Government Office in cooperation with its partner agencies. Preparations for LYNX 2026 have been ongoing for almost a year. The organising of such an exercise does not imply an imminent threat. The Emergency Act provides for the regular organisation of drills, and states that nationwide crisis-management exercises must be carried out at least once every four years.
The official press release is available here: https://www.riigikantselei.ee/en/news/government-office-announces-ilves-2026-one-estonias-largest-crisis-exercises
