The Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) today, in collaboration with INTERPOL and police forces from other jurisdictions, a cybersecurity agency and operators of critical infrastructures, conducted the Counter Cyber & Physical Terrorism Joint Exercise 2026 to enhance counter-terrorism preparedness across various sectors, and strengthen preparedness for potential terrorist activities and future large-scale international events.
The exercise was co-ordinated by the HKPF’s Crime Wing and Operations Wing, with the participation of INTERPOL, the Macao Judiciary Police, the Singapore Police Force, the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore and the Korean National Police Agency.
More than 380 participants, including representatives from the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, a local bank and the Macau branch of a bank, took part in the exercise. Commissioner of Police Chow Yat-ming attended and oversaw the exercise.
The exercise first simulated a terrorist financing scenario, showcasing the close collaboration between the enforcement agencies, financial regulatory and operating institutions.
Subsequently, a cross-boundary terrorist cell launched cyber and physical attacks against the financial, aviation and healthcare systems across Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore and Korea in an attempt to paralyse essential public services.
The scenarios involved terrorists placing explosive devices and deploying drones at major event venues intended to create chaos.
These simulations were designed to test and strengthen the capabilities of relevant organisations and units in intelligence sharing, co-ordinated rapid response, and joint operations under high pressure situations in addressing emerging hybrid terrorist threats.
The exercise also strengthened collaboration between law enforcement agencies and operators of critical infrastructures, including financial institutions, to bolster overall defense and response capabilities.
The exercise also invited a cybersecurity company to be a member of the Cybersecurity Task Force to conduct intelligence analysis, as well as to provide professional advice and assessments on neutralising cyber threats and malware attacks.
The exercise not only enhanced the co-ordination capabilities of the participating law enforcement agencies in responding to hybrid terrorist threats, but also strengthened regional counter-terrorism co-operation, safeguarding public safety and social stability.
