From April 13 to 16, the MOD/SDF officially participates for the first time in the cyber defense exercise "Locked Shields 2021" hosted by the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence (CCDCOE).
This exercise is designed to simulate cyber attacks against IT systems and critical infrastructure in fictitious countries. Approximately 30 countries, mainly NATO member states, join the exercise. From Japan, a MOD/SDF-led team participates in the exercise.