The Pakistan-China Karakoram 2026 joint army training exercise has completed all scheduled tasks in its skills exchange training phase, with troops from both countries conducting practical drills focused on tactical mobility, close-quarters combat, drone operations and precision marksmanship.
The exercise is underway in Korla, in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, bringing together Pakistani and Chinese military personnel for specialized training aimed at sharing operational skills and strengthening coordination between the two armies.
During the completed phase, participating troops trained in tactical climbing, close-quarters combat, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operation, target searching and firing while on the move, and long-range sniping. The activities exposed personnel from both sides to different techniques and approaches in individual and small-unit combat skills.
The training covered capabilities relevant to challenging operational environments, including movement across difficult terrain, engagement at short distances, observation and target identification using unmanned systems, and accurate fire against distant targets. The combination of these disciplines also reflects the growing importance of integrating conventional infantry skills with emerging technologies on the modern battlefield.
The skills exchange phase also provided an opportunity for personnel from both countries to learn from one another and discuss their respective techniques and operational experiences. The exchanges were intended to build mutual understanding and prepare the troops for the next stage of the exercise, which will focus on specialized training.
The exercise is centered on joint counterterrorism operations in high-altitude areas, where difficult terrain and demanding conditions can complicate troop movement, surveillance and coordinated action. Training in climbing, drone operation and mobile target engagement is particularly relevant to operations requiring troops to maneuver through rugged landscapes while identifying and engaging threats.
China’s Ministry of National Defense announced earlier this month that Karakoram 2026 would be the first joint army training exercise between the two countries. The program also includes joint command and live-force exercises, with the stated objective of deepening military cooperation and improving interoperability in counterterrorism operations.
The completion of the skills exchange phase marks a step forward in the ongoing exercise, as Pakistani and Chinese troops prepare to move into specialized training. The exercise forms part of broader defense cooperation between the two longstanding partners, with a particular emphasis on sharing operational experience and improving their ability to respond jointly to terrorist threats.
