The National Security Guard’s 52 Special Action Group (SAG), India’s designated National Counter Hijack Force, successfully conducted a comprehensive real-time anti-hijack exercise at Cochin International Airport, reinforcing national aviation security preparedness and multi-agency crisis response mechanisms.

The large-scale exercise began on December 19 and culminated in a high-intensity live night operation on December 20. During the final phase, elite NSG commandos executed precision counter-hijack drills on an actual aircraft under realistic night-time conditions, simulating a hostile aviation security scenario.

The drill was designed to validate operational readiness, response timelines, command-and-control structures, and coordination among multiple agencies.

The simulated scenario involved a hijacked aircraft landing at Cochin International Airport, triggering the immediate activation of the Aerodrome Emergency Management Committee (AEMC).

The exercise tested end-to-end emergency response protocols, including strategic decision-making, inter-agency coordination, negotiation procedures, medical preparedness, crisis communication systems, and passenger safety measures, with minimal to nil collateral damage as the highest priority.

The operation was led by Col Amit Kumar, Group Commander, 52 SAG, NSG. District Collector Priyanka G (IAS), Airport Director G Manu, and Deputy Commissioner of Police Mahesh S (IPS) carried out their respective procedural responsibilities in coordination with participating agencies.

The exercise witnessed seamless coordination among Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL), the Kerala State administration, Kerala Police and Traffic Police, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), Airports Authority of India (AAI), Health Department and designated city hospitals, Fire and Emergency Services, Air Traffic Control (ATC), IndiGo Airlines, ground handling agencies, and other aviation partners.

Specially trained NSG negotiators initially engaged the simulated hijackers to seek a peaceful resolution. Following the simulated failure of negotiations, the 52 SAG carried out a swift and controlled intervention, demonstrating advanced close-quarter battle techniques, aircraft intervention procedures, and hostage rescue capabilities.

A detailed post-exercise debrief and evaluation were conducted by CIAL in coordination with all stakeholders to document key observations, best practices, and areas for improvement.

CIAL Managing Director S Suhas (IAS) said aviation security remains a top priority for the airport. “This real-time anti-hijack exercise conducted by the NSG’s 52 Special Action Group, in close coordination with all stakeholders, validates our emergency preparedness and inter-agency coordination. CIAL remains committed to supporting national security efforts and ensuring the highest standards of safety for all airport users,” he said.

The successful exercise reaffirmed the collective commitment of the NSG and Cochin International Airport to uphold the highest standards of aviation security in strict compliance with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) guidelines and Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) regulations, ensuring a safe, secure, and resilient aviation environment under all contingencies.