On Saturday, 11 October, Warsaw police began counterterrorist drills at Varso Tower, the EU’s tallest building, as part of the EU‑funded HECTOR project to test CBRNE response procedures in dense urban settings.
HECTOR Project Overview
HECTOR (enHancing protECTion of tourist sites in Europe) is a two‑year EU‑backed program that strengthens protection of highly frequented tourist sites by developing common standards, safety plans, operational procedures, and tools for services and operators. The consortium brings together public order services, local authorities, infrastructure operators, and research centres from several member states, all funded by the EU Internal Security Fund.
Exercise Scope and Participants
The drills include counter‑terrorist units from CPKP “BOA” and officers from the Police Aviation Management of the GSP KGP. Scenarios employ specialised equipment for hazardous and explosive conditions—including a TUR armoured vehicle—and test collaboration between altitude teams and indoor teams inside the high‑rise.
Varso Tower Significance
Varso Tower, a 53‑storey 310‑metre high‑rise with a spire, is regarded as the EU’s tallest building. Its central Warsaw location and high‑rise features enable training across a full spectrum of tasks, from altitude operations to evacuation and level penetration, coordinated with aerial components.
Operational Details
Exercises follow pre‑approved scenarios and schedules. Teams conduct tasks in phases both inside and outside the building, maintaining coordination between counter‑terror units and police aviation. The solutions aim to enable safe operations for residents, workers, and visitors.
Broader HECTOR Activities
The Warsaw events are part of a wider HECTOR cycle, with similar drills planned in Greece, France, and Cyprus. New tools and solutions—ranging from security planning models to technical components—are tested to produce actionable guidance for tourist site protection across the EU.
Official Statement
“Attention: Counterterrorist drills have commenced in Warsaw under the international HECTOR project, funded by the EU Internal Security Fund. Their goal is to develop and implement effective tools for preventing and responding to terrorist attacks in tourist‑popular places,” declared the Headquarters Police Command. “The arena is Varso Tower, the EU’s tallest building and a symbol of modern Warsaw. Here, counter‑terror units from CPKP “BOA” will test procedures against terrorist and CBRNE threats in dense urban environments to better protect residents and tourists.”
