Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) Director General Praveer Ranjan on Friday, 29 May chaired a high-level operational review meeting in Chandigarh to evaluate security preparedness across the North Sector and Airport Sector. The review, attended by senior officers and unit commanders, comes against the backdrop of heightened security concerns along India's western and northern borders.

Key Areas Under Review

The meeting focused on strengthening security preparedness, improving inter-agency coordination, and deploying advanced technologies to safeguard critical infrastructure and civil aviation installations. Discussions specifically addressed evolving threats in border and strategically sensitive states — Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Gujarat.

Particular emphasis was placed on countering drone-related threats, reinforcing anti-sabotage measures, and bolstering disaster response capabilities — areas that have gained urgency given recent cross-border aerial intrusions in the region.

Counter-Drone Programme and Army Collaboration

To address low-altitude aerial threats, the CISF has launched a phased Counter-Drone Training Programme in collaboration with the Indian Army. Conducted at multiple specialised locations, the programme trains CISF personnel to detect, track, and neutralise hostile unmanned aerial systems (UAVs). Joint exercises with the Army and other agencies covering counter-terrorism, quick-reaction response, and disaster management were also reviewed at the meeting.

CISF personnel have additionally undergone specialised training at various Army establishments and with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to sharpen tactical and emergency-handling capabilities.

Aviation Security Upgrades

In the aviation domain, the review assessed technological and operational upgrades across commercial airports under CISF protection. Discussions covered reinforcing perimeter security, upgrading surveillance networks, and deploying next-generation screening tools to meet international aviation security standards.

A dedicated drive to strengthen airport quick reaction teams (QRTs) is already under way. To date, 659 personnel from 49 aviation security groups have completed military-grade 'battle inoculation training'. The force aims to extend QRT coverage to all 72 airports under its security umbrella by the end of 2026.

CISF Aviation Security Academy and Women Commandos

A proposal for establishing a dedicated CISF Aviation Security Academy (CASA) is currently under consideration with the Ministry of Home Affairs, aimed at creating a specialised research and training institution for aviation security.

Separately, the 10th Reserve Battalion in Bengaluru has been designated as a dedicated Mahila QRT/Commandos Training Centre, signalling a structural push to deploy trained women personnel in critical front-line security roles. The CISF's next operational milestones will hinge on the pace of QRT expansion and the government's decision on the CASA proposal.