Operation Albiston Shadow will test Britain’s ability to survive a major hybrid conflict as ministers warn threats from hostile states are growing.
Britain is preparing for its largest-ever national war simulation as the Government steps up efforts to ensure the country is ready for a potential attack.
The huge exercise, dubbed Operation Albiston Shadow, will see hundreds of officials, ministers and security experts test how the UK would respond to a major “hybrid” conflict involving a hostile foreign power.
The simulation will examine Britain’s ability to withstand attacks on critical infrastructure, cyber warfare, misinformation campaigns and other threats designed to cripple the country without a traditional invasion.
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Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones said the exercise would ensure Britain is prepared for the worst-case scenario.
“This will ensure that should the worst ever happen, we will always be ready,” he told MPs.
The unprecedented exercise comes amid growing concerns over Russia’s military ambitions and the possibility of a wider confrontation with NATO.
The Government’s Strategic Defence Review warned that Britain is already facing daily hostile activity, including espionage, cyber attacks and disinformation campaigns linked to foreign states.
It also highlighted Vladimir Putin’s willingness to use military force, target civilians and raise the threat of nuclear escalation.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has previously warned Western intelligence agencies believe Russia could potentially attack a NATO member within the next few years.
Alongside the war simulation, ministers are launching a national resilience campaign encouraging households to prepare for possible disruption.
Officials are warning that future crises could involve cyber attacks shutting down power networks; disruption to water supplies; mobile phone outages; shortages affecting local shops and attacks on digital systems.
The Government said simple preparations could help communities cope during emergencies and allow emergency services to focus on those most vulnerable.
The move follows similar preparations across Europe, where governments have urged citizens to build basic emergency supplies.
Sweden has advised households to keep food, water, warm clothing and battery-powered radios available during prolonged disruption.
Norway has issued guidance on preparing for nuclear emergencies, including access to iodine tablets, while Germany has explored ways to strengthen civilian shelter capacity.
The European Union has also encouraged citizens to maintain a 72-hour emergency kit containing essentials such as bottled water, tinned food and important documents.
The Government has updated the National Risk Register to include a wider range of threats, including foreign interference in democracy and cyber attacks targeting vital services.
The revised assessment reflects a changing security environment where conflicts can be fought through technology, economic pressure and sabotage as well as conventional military force.
Mr Jones warned that advances in artificial intelligence could create new opportunities for criminals and hostile actors to launch cyber attacks.
“AI offers new ways for criminals to carry out cyber-attacks against us, as well as offering huge opportunities for our economy and security,” he said.
The scale of Operation Albiston Shadow reflects a growing recognition in Westminster that modern conflict may not begin with troops crossing borders.
Instead, Britain could face attempts to disrupt daily life through digital attacks, infrastructure sabotage and information warfare.
Ministers insist the aim is not to alarm the public, but to build resilience.
However, the message from Whitehall is clear: in an increasingly unstable world, Britain is preparing for threats that were once considered unthinkable.
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