The 52 Special Action Group (SAG) of the National Security Guard (NSG)—India’s designated National Counter Hijack Force—successfully conducted a comprehensive, real-time anti-hijack exercise at Cochin International Airport , reaffirming its commitment to strengthening national aviation security and crisis response preparedness. The multi-agency exercise commenced on 19 December 2025 and culminated in a high-intensity live night operation on 20 December 2025. During the final phase, 52 SAG commandos executed precision counter-hijack drills on an actual aircraft under realistic night-time conditions. The exercise was designed to validate operational readiness, response timelines, coordination mechanisms, and command-and-control structures during a hostile aviation security scenario. The simulated situation involved a hijacked aircraft landing at Cochin International Airport, triggering the immediate activation of the Aerodrome Emergency Management Committee (AEMC). The drill comprehensively 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. Col. Amit Kumar, Group Commander, 52 SAG, NSG, has led the exercise. District Collector Priyanka G IAS, Airport Director G.Manu, DCP Mahesh S IPS enacted their procedural tasks through the effective coordination of various stakeholders. The exercise witnessed exemplary coordination among multiple stakeholders, involving Cochin Internaltiona Airport Limited, 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 Airline, ground handling agencies, and other aviation partners. Specially trained NSG negotiators were deployed to engage with the simulated hijackers to achieve a peaceful resolution. Upon the ‘ simulated failure of negotiations ‘ , the 52 Special Action Group undertook swift, precise, and controlled intervention. The operation showcased advanced close-quarter battle techniques, aircraft intervention procedures, and hostage rescue capabilities. Following the exercise, Cochin International Airport, in coordination with all stakeholders, conducted a detailed post-exercise debrief and evaluation to document key observations, best practices, and areas for further improvement. CIAL Managing Director S.Suhas IAS said that “Aviation security is a top priority for Cochin International 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.” The successful conduct of this exercise reaffirms the collective commitment of NSG (52 SAG) 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 for passengers, crew, and all airport users under any eventuality.