The Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) on Thursday conducted an exercise to enhance counter-terrorism preparedness across various sectors and strengthen preparedness for potential terrorist activities and future large-scale international events.
More than 380 participants, including representatives from the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, a local bank and the Macao branch of a bank, took part in the Counter Cyber and Physical Terrorism Joint Exercise 2026, codenamed “STEALTHNET”.
Commissioner of Police Joe Chow Yat-ming attended and oversaw the exercise. The HKPF's Crime Wing and Operations Wing coordinated it, 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, according to a press release.
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The exercise first simulated a terrorist financing scenario, showcasing the close collaboration between the enforcement agencies, financial regulatory and operating institutions.
In an attempt to paralyze essential public services, a cross-boundary terrorist cell later launched cyber and physical attacks against the financial, aviation and healthcare systems across Hong Kong, Macao, Singapore and South Korea.
This segment involved terrorists placing explosive devices and deploying drones at major event venues with an aim to create chaos.
The simulations were designed to test and strengthen the capabilities of relevant organizations and units in intelligence sharing, coordinated rapid response, and joint operations under high-pressure situations to address emerging hybrid terrorist threats, according to the HKPF.
The exercise strengthened collaboration between law enforcement agencies and operators of critical infrastructures, including financial institutions, in bolstering overall defense and response capabilities.
A cybersecurity company was invited to be a member of the Cwith evacuation at the scene as the Hong Kong Police Force, in collaboration with Interpol and police forces from other jurisdictions, the cybersecurity agency, and operators of critical infrastructure, conducted the Counter Cyber and Physical Terrorism Joint Exercise 2026, codenamed “STEALTHNET,” in the city onybersecurity Task Force to conduct intelligence analysis to provide professional advice and assessments on neutralizing cyber threats and malware attacks.
The HKPF said the exercise not only enhanced the coordination capabilities of the participating law enforcement agencies in responding to hybrid terrorist threats, but also strengthened regional counter-terrorism cooperation, safeguarding public safety and social stability.
