Suojaan 2026 brings together more than 2 000 participants for a large-scale civil defense exercise in the Savilahti Luola
The Suojaan 2026 civil protection exercise will take place in Savilahti, Kuopio on 2–3 September 2026. The exercise will test the protection of a large population, cooperation between authorities and practical civil defense operating procedures. With more than 2 000 participants, the exercise is exceptional in scale and is attracting international interest as well.
The exercise is organized jointly by the North Savo Rescue Department, the City of Kuopio, local educational institutions and several authorities, volunteer organizations and companies. Its objective is to strengthen preparedness for various disruptions and emergency conditions, while also gathering practical experience to support the further development of civil protection and preparedness measures.
“Protecting the population is, in practice, the result of many elements working together: decision-making, leadership, communications, situational awareness and easy-going cooperation among several operators. The Suojaan 2026 exercise is designed specifically to strengthen this cooperation and to proactively test operational models,” says Jere Vihavainen, Preparedness Coordinator at the North Savo Rescue Department.
The exercise is exceptional in scale
While civil protection exercises are arranged regularly, they typically involve dozens or, at most, a few hundred participants. In the Suojaan 2026 exercise, more than 2,000 people will simultaneously practice moving into a civil defense shelter and operating within it. A civil protection exercise of this scale has not been seen in Finland for decades.
Another characterisctic of the exercise is its multifunctionality. It will test how the responsibilities and tasks of the city, rescue authorities, educational institutions, volunteer organizations, and other operators are coordinated and integrated during an emergency situation.
“A large-scale joint exercise like this provides an opportunity to identify practical observations and areas for improvement that cannot be detected in smaller exercises. The results can be used to support the development of both civil protection training and preparedness planning,” says Vihavainen.
Luola in Savilahti provides a unique exercise environment
The exercise will take place in Savilahti`s Luola, which is considered one of the most modern dual-use civil defense shelters in Europe. In everyday use, the facility serves as a venue for sports and events, but it can be converted into a civil defense shelter for approximately 7 000 people when required. The exercise will test, among other things, the procedures for bringing the shelter into operational readiness.
The Luola’s dual-use concept and modern technology have already attracted significant interest even before the Suojaan 2026 exercise.
“Over the past year, dozens of ambassadors, security professionals, city leaders, and other distinguished guests from around the world have visited Luola. The site has attracted admiration from Japan to Poland and even from one of the United States’ most respected media outlets, The Wall Street Journal,” says Asko Muhonen, City of Kuopio`s Senior Specialist of Comprehensive Security.
The exercise will be developed into a future training environment
The Suojaan 2026 exercise will be extensively documented. The material collected during the exercise will be used in civil protection training, and the aim is to create a digital learning environment that will enable civil protection practices to be taught in the future as well.
The success of the exercise will be evaluated systematically. A dedicated observation and evaluation team will gather findings and compile recommendations to support further development.
“In Finland, civil protection is an integral part of the national comprehensive security model. The observations and materials generated during the exercise will support future training and development work both here in Kuopio and nationwide,” says Muhonen.
How the exercise will be seen in Savilahti
As part of the Suojaan 2026 exercise, residents may notice unusually high levels of official activity, exercise-related equipment, and large crowds in the Savilahti area on Wednesday, 2 September, especially from 11:30 a.m. onwards. However, this is a fully pre-planned emergency preparedness exercise and is not related to any real threat or hazardous situation. The exercise will not involve the use of the public warning signal or the emergency alert system.
In connection with the exercise, an Open House event will be held at Savilahti`s Luola on Wednesday, 2 September from 5 to 7 p.m. During the event, residents will have the opportunity to learn about civil defence, preparedness, emergency supplies for households and the work of authorities and voluntary organizations. Visitors will also be able to see what Savilahti`s Luola looks like when converted for use as a civil defence shelter.
“One of the aims of the exercise is to strengthen people’s sense of safety and encourage preparedness. We welcome all residents of Kuopio to attend the Open House event at the Cave,” says Mikko Moilanen, Security Manager of the City of Kuopio.
Savilahti Luola will be closed for sports and event use from 28 August to 7 September 2026 due to preparations for and implementation of the exercise.
Suojaan 2026 in brief
Date: 2–3 September 2026
Exercise Location: Kuopio, Savilahti Luola, a dual-use civil defence shelter with capacity for approximately 7 000 people
Objective: To test the protection of a large population and to enhance cooperation, command and control, situational awareness and communications during emergencies and exceptional circumstances
Participants: More than 2 000 people, including representatives from authorities, educational institutions, voluntary organisations, companies and other partner organisations.
Open House: 2.9.2026 at 17–19 in Savilahti Luola (Loistekatu 12, Kuopio).
Additional information:www.kuopio.fi/suojaan2026
See video about the exercise:https://vimeo.com/1206761925
