This year, 15,000 military personnel will be participating in France’s largest cyber defence drill, DEFNET, to enhance their preparedness for cyber threats. The two-week exercise will involve all branches of the French Armed Forces, including the Army, Navy, and Air and Space Force. Inspired by Russia’s digital warfare tactics in the invasion of Ukraine, the drills will focus on real-world scenarios to strengthen cyber defences. One of the simulated scenarios involves a French warship’s missile system being compromised by a single infected USB key, highlighting the potential vulnerabilities faced by modern military systems.
Principal Master Antoine, a French Navy cyber defence specialist, emphasizes the importance of practicing procedures and using tools to efficiently respond to cyber incidents. The goal of the yearly cyber defence drill is to prepare the French Army for worst-case scenarios, such as a cyber attack at sea. Cyber warfare officers are trained to react quickly in the event of a real cyber attack, ensuring the availability of weapons systems to continue their mission. With cyber threats on the rise, the French Army plans to expand its digital defence force from 4,000 to 5,000 cyber warfare officers by 2030.
The DEFNET exercise in France serves as a key part of the country’s efforts to enhance its cyber defences and prepare its military personnel for cyber threats. Lieutenant Martin, head of information systems and communications, underscores the importance of practicing fully functional workflows under real-time pressure, enabling quick reactions to recover systems and maintain operational capabilities. The exercise reflects the increasing recognition of the role that cyber warfare plays in modern conflicts, as demonstrated by Russia’s tactics in the Ukraine invasion.
In May, a similar cyber defence exercise will be held in Tallinn, Estonia, bringing together NATO allies for a joint test of cyber defences. This collaborative approach underscores the importance of international cooperation in countering cyber threats and enhancing readiness against cyber warfare. By participating in joint exercises and sharing best practices, countries can strengthen their cyber defences and better respond to potential cyber attacks. The DEFNET drill in France is just one example of the proactive measures being taken by countries to address the evolving challenges posed by cyber threats in the modern digital age.
The simulation of cyber warfare scenarios, such as a compromised missile system on a warship, highlights the potential consequences of cyber attacks on military systems. Training exercises like DEFNET are essential for building resilience and preparedness, ensuring that military personnel are equipped to respond effectively to cyber threats. As technology continues to advance, the importance of cyber defence capabilities becomes increasingly critical in safeguarding national security and maintaining operational readiness in the face of evolving cyber threats.
By investing in cyber defence training and exercises, countries like France are taking proactive steps to enhance their capabilities and address the growing challenges posed by cyber warfare. The DEFNET drill provides a valuable opportunity for military personnel to practice and refine their skills in responding to cyber incidents, strengthening their ability to protect critical systems and infrastructure from potential cyber attacks. As cyber threats continue to evolve, the importance of ongoing training and preparedness in cyber defence cannot be overstated in ensuring the security and resilience of military forces against digital threats.
