Japan Cyber Defence (CEO: Cartan McLachlan) provided support for the FY2025 Multinational Cyber Defense Exercise (CyberKONGO2026), hosted by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) Signal and Cyber School from February 18 to February 20, 2026. The company assisted with the construction of the training environment and provided operational support to cyber defense units from the Ministry of Defense/JSDF and cyber security units from 17 allied nations.

- The Growing Importance of Cyber Defense Capabilities As terms like "hybrid warfare" and "multi-domain operations" become commonplace, the importance of cyber defense capabilities has surged. At the end of 2022, the Japanese government revised its three security-related documents, setting a goal to train a total of 20,000 cyber personnel, including those engaged in cyber-related duties across the Ministry of Defense and JSDF.

The objectives of CyberKONGO2026 were twofold: first, to assess and improve the proficiency of cyber incident response units through training incorporating the latest cyber technologies; second, to promote international exchange and contribute to strengthening future cooperation.

- Exercise Overview The exercise scenarios were developed primarily by the team at Japan Cyber Defence's Ukraine branch, under the guidance of the JGSDF Signal and Cyber School. As widely known, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022, is a hybrid war characterized by persistent daily cyberattacks. The training was conducted based on the latest and most realistic scenarios formulated from these experiences and insights.

In light of the Active Cyber Defense Act passed in 2025, which necessitates the enhancement of cyber capabilities, such practical exercises have become increasingly vital.

Exercise Dates: February 18 (Wed) – February 20 (Fri), 2026 Participants: Cyber defense units of the JSDF and military forces from overseas, totaling approximately 40 teams.

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  • Source: PR TIMES
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