India-Pakistan tension: High-level security review meeting at Odisha’s Chandipur missile testing range

A high-level security review meeting is scheduled to be held on Friday  (today) at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, Balasore, with the objective of assessing and strengthening the security arrangements at one of India’s most sensitive defence installations. 

The meeting was convened in light of the strategic importance of the missile testing range, where several key defence projects, including ballistic missile tests, are routinely conducted under the supervision of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

The meeting has been convened by the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, Eastern Range, and is scheduled to be held at 2PM inside the campus of the Proof and Experimental Establishment (PXE), a premier DRDO laboratory. 

The PXE facility has long been central to India's defence preparedness, particularly in the areas of armament systems and missile support testing.

Senior officials from various law enforcement and defence departments are scheduled to participate in the security review. Among them were top officials from Balasore district police, intelligence agencies, and security personnel attached to defence institutions.  The agenda of the meeting focuses on evaluating existing security protocols, identifying potential vulnerabilities, and implementing tighter surveillance and access control mechanisms.

DIG (Eastern Range) emphasized the need for seamless coordination between state police, paramilitary forces, and the DRDO’s internal security wings. He is also likely to review emergency response mechanisms and disaster preparedness strategies in case of sabotage, espionage, or natural calamities. The security of sensitive defence data, movement of personnel, and transportation of missile components could also be discussed during the review meeting.

Sources close to the meeting hinted that growing concerns over cyber threats and recent geopolitical tensions have prompted authorities to adopt a more proactive approach in safeguarding critical defence infrastructures. Although the exact details of the deliberations remain classified, the move has been seen as a timely measure to fortify India’s eastern coastal defence assets.
The Chandipur missile test range has played a pivotal role in India’s missile development programme, including the successful testing of the Agni, Prithvi, Akash, and BrahMos series. As India continues to upgrade its defence capabilities, ensuring the safety and integrity of such facilities is a top priority.

Locals in Chandipur have welcomed the increased security attention, noting the presence of additional patrolling teams and restricted movements around the test range. Officials assured that while tighter measures are being enforced, civilian life around the facility would remain unaffected.

This security meeting marks a significant step toward reinforcing national security and reflects the ongoing commitment of Indian defence and law enforcement agencies to remain vigilant in the face of emerging threats.