CACE 2026: Major Cyber Defense Exercise in Croatia Involving U.S. National Guard

From June 1-11, 2026, over 100 cyber professionals from seven European nations and seven U.S. National Guard partners participated in the Combined Adriatic Cyber Endeavor (CACE) 2026 in Croatia. This exercise, hosted by the Croatian Armed Forces, aimed to enhance cyber defense capabilities among Adriatic+ partner nations. Participants included teams from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Slovenia, along with U.S. counterparts from states like New Jersey and Maryland. The exercise involved academic instruction, scenario development, and operational exercises, focusing on defending a shared unclassified network against simulated adversary activities. A significant milestone was the first-ever interconnection of SimSpace cyber ranges operated by Croatia and Slovenia. The exercise emphasized collaboration and hands-on experience in combating cyber threats impacting the region.

Key Points: • Over 100 cyber professionals participated in CACE 2026, enhancing regional cyber defense. • The exercise included teams from seven European nations and U.S. National Guard partners. • A key achievement was the interconnection of SimSpace cyber ranges from Croatia and Slovenia.