Pune Airport Holds Full-Scale Counter-Terrorism Drill, Tests Multi-Agency Response
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Viman Nagar, 10th August 2025: In a bid to strengthen aviation security preparedness, Pune Airport on Saturday carried out a full-scale Counter-Terrorism Contingency Plan (CTCP) mock exercise simulating an armed attack on the terminal building.
The drill, conducted between 11:50 am and 12:38 pm, involved 258 personnel from multiple agencies, including the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Airports Authority of India (AAI), Maharashtra Police, Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS), Indian Air Force (IAF), Immigration authorities, and airline staff.
Before the field operation, a tabletop exercise was held at the airport’s New Conference Hall, bringing together representatives from all participating agencies. Team leaders briefed their units on roles and responsibilities, followed by an operational briefing from Senior Commandant and Chief Airport Security Officer (CASO) of the CISF in the presence of the Airport Director.
Simulated Terror Strike
According to the exercise scenario, four armed assailants arrived in a vehicle at the departure gate area and attempted an assault using firearms and explosives. Security teams responded in line with established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), while BDDS personnel confirmed and neutralised the simulated explosives. The mock operation concluded with all four terrorists “neutralised” by the security forces.
Post-Drill Review
A debriefing was held immediately after the exercise, during which the CASO/CISF reviewed operational performance, noted gaps, and suggested remedial measures to improve coordination and efficiency.
Officials said the exercise aimed to test inter-agency coordination, validate contingency plans, and boost the operational confidence of personnel during high-threat situations.
