Bhubaneswar: The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is planning to significantly strengthen its capabilities to tackle emerging security threats, particularly drone attacks and cyber intrusions targeting vital installations across the country.
Speaking to media persons in Bhubaneswar on Thursday ahead of the 57th Raising Day of the force, CISF Director General Praveer Ranjan said the paramilitary force will prioritise drone and anti-drone training under its upcoming modernisation plan.
“In the next modernisation plan, we will take up drone and anti-drone training in a big way,” Ranjan said, referring to recent global and regional developments, including drone attacks witnessed during ‘Operation Sindoor’ and the ongoing conflict in Iran.
To strengthen its preparedness, the CISF has already established a drone and anti-drone training centre at its unit in Behror, Rajasthan. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has also approved the establishment of a Remote Pilot Training Organisation (RPTO) that will provide specialised training in drone operations as well as anti-drone systems.
Ranjan noted that the CISF has been designated as the nodal agency to counter aerial threats at vital installations, making it essential for the force to build advanced capabilities in this domain.
Alongside aerial threats, the force is also focusing on strengthening cyber security. The CISF chief said the increasing reliance on digital systems has made software and network security critical.
“Nowadays every sector is facing cyber threats. System security has become very important as most operations are now digitally driven,” he said, adding that the force has already begun developing specialised cyber commandos to address such risks.
Under its 2026–30 modernisation plan, the CISF has identified 76 procurement and capability-building items worth ₹819 crore. The proposed upgrades include advanced drone solutions, the establishment of an integrated cyber security laboratory, a dedicated data centre, and the implementation of a zero-trust network architecture to secure digital infrastructure.
Earlier in the day, the CISF Director General chaired the Senior Officers’ Conference–2026 at the State Guest House in Bhubaneswar. Senior officers from various formations across the country attended the meeting.
The conference focused on the theme “Training and Capacity Building: Enhancing Professional Competence through Training Initiatives and Skill Development.” Discussions centred on strengthening training frameworks, adopting modern techniques and enhancing skill development to address emerging security challenges effectively.
Reaffirming its commitment to national security, the CISF said it will continue to upgrade training standards and professional competence to maintain high levels of operational readiness in safeguarding the country’s critical infrastructure.
