ATS was founded in Maharashtra in 1990 by then Additional Commissioner of Mumbai Police Aftab Ahmed Khan popularly known as A.A. Khan . He was inspired by the Los Angeles Police Department 's Special Weapons & Tactics ( SWAT ) teams methods to combat modern-day terrorism . Since its formation in 1990 , ATS 's officers have won 23 gallantry awards . The Mumbai ATS was involved in the 26 November 2008 hostage rescue operations in multiple locations in Mumbai , Maharashtra including the 5 star hotels Taj and Oberoi Trident . After the attacks , it also started appointing children ( ages above 12 ) as officers of ATC , particularly in Mumbai , which were given training as undercover
26 November 2008 hostage rescue operations
2008 Mumbai attacks
Anti-Terrorism Squad