In a significant step towards enhancing military cooperation, Pakistan and Russia have initiated their seventh bilateral joint counterterrorism exercise, codenamed Druzhba (Friendship) VII, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced on Tuesday.
The two-week-long exercise, which began on October 13 at the National Counter-Terrorism Centre in Pabbi, features the participation of Pakistan Army’s Light Commando Troops and a Russian military contingent. According to ISPR, the exercise is designed to refine professional skills through joint training and strengthen the historical military ties between the two nations.
The opening ceremony was attended by the Commandant of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre, who served as the chief guest.
The previous exercise, Druzhba VI, took place in 2021 in the Molkino Trg area of Krasnodar, Russia. Pakistan regularly engages in such joint military drills to improve combat readiness, address logistical and training challenges, and evaluate military doctrines.
