Readiness of security and intelligence agencies to counter hybrid warfare tested on Ex Slovak Shield 2021

As well as testing the SVK Armed Forces' readiness to deal with classic military threats, this year's international Slovak Shield exercise also examined the preparedness of the Slovak Republic for countering hybrid warfare (CHW).

As part of the exercise scenario, the www.slovakshield.online website was set up and run as a fake official website of the exercise. While displaying some technical and military tell-tell signs that compromised its authenticity, the website released articles with general information on Ex Slovak Shield 2021, combined with articles raising doubts about the exercise, NATO as an anchor of security for Slovakia, and the significance of collective defence.

The aim of the website was to test the detection speed and ability of the SVK security and intelligence agencies to counter hybrid warfare. The website was identified and relevant measures were taken by the agencies. Ex Slovak Shield proved the readiness and ability of the SVK security and intelligence agencies to detect and respond adequately to hybrid threats at the national level.