The 9th edition of Pakistan-Russia Joint Exercise DRUZHBA-IX and the 2nd edition of Pakistan-Oman Joint Exercise WASHAQ AL JABAL-II (Mountain Lynx-II) commenced at Cherat and the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Pabbi, respectively.
The two-week-long exercises bring together contingents of the Pakistan Army with their counterparts from the Russian Army and the Royal Army of Oman, providing a valuable platform for the participating forces to undertake joint training, share professional expertise and exchange operational experiences.
The exercises are designed to strengthen mutual understanding among the participating forces and enhance their ability to operate effectively in coordinated environments. Particular emphasis is being placed on counter-terrorism drills, operational procedures, tactical skills and interoperability, with the participating contingents engaging in a range of joint training activities.
According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the exercises provide the participating forces an opportunity to benefit from one another’s operational experience and professional expertise. Through structured training and the exchange of best practices, the participating troops will further refine their combat skills, tactical capabilities and operational procedures.
Both exercises provide a practical environment for the participating contingents to train alongside one another and develop a greater understanding of each other’s operational methodologies.
The joint training activities are intended to enhance proficiency in counter-terrorism operations while allowing troops to share lessons learned and develop a common understanding of procedures required during coordinated operations.
The exercises also provide an opportunity for the participating forces to assess and refine their tactical responses in realistic training environments. Such engagements contribute to greater operational familiarity and improved coordination between the participating contingents.
The commencement of DRUZHBA-IX and WASHAQ AL JABAL-II (Mountain Lynx-II) further reflects Pakistan’s continuing defence engagement with Russia and Oman and the importance attached to regular military-to-military interaction.
Regular joint exercises provide an important mechanism for strengthening professional relationships, facilitating the exchange of military knowledge and enhancing interoperability among partner forces. They also contribute to a broader framework of defence cooperation through structured training, professional exchanges and the sharing of operational best practices.
The participation of the Russian Army and Royal Army of Oman alongside the Pakistan Army underscores the continued commitment of the three countries to expanding professional military cooperation and developing greater mutual understanding through practical engagement.
Over the course of the two-week exercises, participating contingents will undertake a series of joint training activities aimed at improving operational coordination, tactical proficiency and counter-terrorism capabilities.
The exercises will conclude with the participating forces having further strengthened their professional linkages, exchanged valuable operational experiences and enhanced their ability to work together effectively in coordinated environments.
