The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), responsible for securing 72 airports across India, has partnered with the Indian Army to enhance its capabilities against hostile unmanned aerial systems (UAVs). This collaboration aims to equip CISF personnel with advanced technologies to detect, track, and neutralize low-altitude drone threats, particularly at sensitive airports in Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab.
Battle Inoculation Training for Quick Response Teams
As part of this initiative, 659 personnel from the CISF's specialized aviation security group have completed rigorous 'military-grade battle inoculation training.' These personnel will form Quick Response Teams (QRTs) to be deployed at all CISF-protected airports by the end of the year. The progress of the counter-drone training program and the battle inoculation training was reviewed during an operational review chaired by CISF Director General Praveer Ranjan in Chandigarh on Friday.
Operational Review and Technological Upgrades
The meeting focused on key technological and operational upgrades across commercial airports under CISF protection. Discussions centered on reinforcing perimeter security, upgrading surveillance networks, and adopting next-generation screening tools, including full-body scanners. The goal is to maintain world-class aviation security standards. Senior officers and commanders of various CISF units participated in the meeting, which emphasized strengthening security preparedness, enhancing response capabilities through inter-agency coordination, and adopting advanced technologies for critical infrastructure protection.
DG Praveer Ranjan stated, "CISF remains fully committed to ensuring the safety and security of the nation's critical infrastructure and providing a secure environment for citizens through proactive, technology-driven, and responsive security measures."
Countering Drone Threats in Sensitive Regions
With Operation Sindoor highlighting the threat of drone intrusions from across the western border, the review focused on ensuring effective counter-response in strategically sensitive regions like Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Gujarat. Emphasis was also placed on strengthening preparedness against sabotage and disasters. The meeting reviewed joint training initiatives with the Indian Army and other agencies in counter-terrorism, quick reaction response, and disaster management.
Modernization of Aviation Security
Initiatives to modernize the aviation sector were discussed, including the ongoing trial of full-body scanners at Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Kochi airports. The three-month trial report will be shared with the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), which is likely to recommend installing full-body scanners at all airports with a footfall of over 5 million passengers per annum. Additionally, the CISF is set to roll out a 2-D barcode reader system to scan and track airport staff using barcodes and CCTV cameras, enabling the detection of unauthorized access to critical terminal zones.
