Bhubaneswar, The Central Industrial Security Force plans to enhance its ability to address potential drone and cyber threats to critical infrastructure, a senior official announced on Thursday.
CISF Director General Praveer Ranjan stated that the upcoming modernization strategy will significantly focus on drone and anti-drone training, citing drone attacks during 'Operation Sindoor' and the ongoing conflict in Iran.
Speaking to the media on the occasion of the 57th Raising Day of the CISF, Ranjan announced that they have set up a drone training and anti-drone capability training center at their Behror unit in Rajasthan. The Ministry of Home Affairs has approved the establishment of the Remote Pilot Training Organisation for training in drone operation and anti-drone systems.
He mentioned that the CISF has been appointed as the primary agency responsible for addressing aerial threats at crucial facilities.
He mentioned that, in today's world, every industry is encountering cyber threats, making system security crucial since all operations are conducted through these systems.
The CISF is making significant strides in enhancing its cyber security capabilities. According to the Director General, they have already trained some cyber commandos.
Officials stated that as part of its modernization strategy for 2026-30, the CISF has earmarked 76 items worth ₹819 crore. This includes training in drone technology, setting up a comprehensive cyber security lab, a specialized data center, and implementing a zero-trust network to protect its digital infrastructure.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah will attend the Raising Day event at the CISF's Mundali unit and open two residential projects for the force.
Shah is set to open a contemporary residential complex in Rajarhat, Kolkata, as well as another housing development in Maidan Garhi, Delhi.
He will also initiate the establishment of the 9th Reserve Battalion in Nagarbera, Assam; the 11th Reserve Battalion in Nashik, Maharashtra; and the 12th Reserve Battalion in Sehore, Madhya Pradesh.
Currently, the central force, comprising 200,000 personnel, ensures the security of 361 crucial sites located across 25 states and five Union Territories.
The CISF is responsible for the security of 71 airports, the Delhi Metro Rail, 10 chemical and fertilizer facilities, 105 power plants, 18 nuclear sites, 16 space department establishments, 47 government buildings that host key ministries of the Indian Government, 15 seaports, 6 defense units, 36 oil and natural gas facilities, 17 steel plants, 10 coal mines, and 9 private sector entities, among others, he stated.
The CISF's Special Security Group ensures the safety of more than 156 individuals. Additionally, the CISF's specialized fire division, comprising approximately 9,700 members, offers fire management services to 114 units located in 23 states across the nation.
He stated that last year, CISF personnel rescued eight valuable lives during medical emergencies, fire incidents, and by thwarting suicide attempts nationwide.
Ranjan stated that during Operation Sindoor, under intense shelling from Pakistani forces, CISF personnel assessed the paths of the shells and safely evacuated approximately 250 civilians, including women, children, and NHPC staff.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has increased the number of CISF personnel from 200,000 to 220,000 over the past year to bolster the force.
The 10% boost in personnel, sanctioned in August 2025, is intended to enhance the protection of vital infrastructure such as airports, seaports, and industrial centers. He mentioned that around 14,000 individuals will be hired each year over the next five years.
He further mentioned that while 32,733 personnel were recruited into the force in 2025, 21,790 personnel are set to be recruited this year.