In late February, the Northern Stone exercise held in Northern Ostrobothnia highlighted the evolution of local defense strategies in response to contemporary threats. The exercise tested authorities' capabilities to operate in a multifaceted influence scenario involving hybrid methods alongside traditional military threats. Colonel Marko Leppänen, the exercise leader, emphasized the importance of being prepared for real threats present in Europe and the need for cohesive training to enhance collaboration among various authorities.

Modern local defense exercises incorporate strong elements of hybrid influence, which require intricate planning and realistic scenarios. Colonel Leppänen noted that a robust gaming organization created challenging daily situations to ensure that participants could effectively navigate crises. The exercise simulation included elements such as sabotaging critical infrastructure, highlighting the potential risks and tactics that could be employed by adversaries. This approach is essential for assessing the effectiveness of emergency response strategies in real-world circumstances.

Ultimately, such training exercises are pivotal in building resilience in local governance and emergency services, ensuring that they can operate cohesively when faced with hybrid threats. By providing a comprehensive narrative that guides participants through the training, officials can better prepare for potential emergencies while fostering cooperation among various organizations and sectors involved in security and defense.