Crossed Swords 2026 is an annual cyber operations exercise organized by the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence (CCDCOE). The exercise brings together military cyber operators, digital forensics analysts, threat hunters, and cyber command elements from NATO and partner nations to develop offensive and defensive cyber capabilities in a realistic crisis and conflict environment. The program focuses on full-spectrum cyber operations, multi-domain coordination, critical infrastructure protection, civil-military cooperation, and the integration of emerging technologies such as AI agents. Crossed Swords also supports collaboration between national cyber forces, academia, industry, and non-governmental organizations.
When: November 2–6
Where: Tallinn, Estonia