Pakistan and U.S. Begin Joint Anti-Terrorism Military Exercises
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| U.S. and Pakistan forces join counter-terrorism exercises at the National Counter Terrorism Centre, Punjab, as part of 'Inspired Gambit 2026' to enhance military cooperation |
The 13th edition of the bilateral joint military exercise between Pakistan and the United States, named ‘Inspired Gambit–2026’, officially began on January 9, 2026. This exercise, conducted at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) located in Pabbi town of Punjab’s Kharian district, aims to enhance collaboration between the two countriescountries in counter-terrorism operations.
This two-week-long exercise involves contingents from both the Pakistani and U.S. armies. It focuses primarily on Counter Terrorism (CT) tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) used in joint military operations. The ISPR (Inter-Services Public Relations) revealed that the exercise is intended to improve mutual understanding and increase interoperability between the two forces by sharing vital counter-terrorism experiences.
Key Goals of the Exercise:
- Improving military standards: The exercise allows both forces to fine-tune their operations and response strategies in high-stakes counter-terrorism environments.
- Sharing expertise: Both the Pakistan and U.S. armies bring different sets of experiences to the table, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of international counter-terrorism operations.
- Enhancing mutual cooperation: Strengthening military relations and joint operational capacity is crucial for addressing global security challenges, including those posed by insurgent and terrorist groups.
The NCTC, a pivotal training ground for such operations, has been the site of numerous joint military exercises between Pakistan and its international partners, including China and the United States.
Strategic Importance for Both Nations:
The U.S. and Pakistan have shared a long history of military cooperation, with counter-terrorism training being a significant part of their relationship. This exercise is part of a broader effort to combat the changing dynamics of global terrorism, focusing on enhancing military readiness and operational coordination.
The ‘Inspired Gambit–2026’ exercise will also involve tactical drills, which simulate real-life terrorist scenarios to assess the rapid-response capabilities of both nations' military units. These simulations are designed to test the efficacy of their joint strategies in handling terrorist attacks in complex environments, such as urban warfare or remote areas with limited resources.
Looking Ahead:
The joint exercise is expected to conclude by January 22, 2026, with both forces expected to improve their counter-terrorism tactics and enhance military interoperability. These types of collaborative efforts are crucial in today’s rapidly evolving global security landscape, where threats are becoming increasingly diverse and sophisticated.
Conclusion:
This exercise serves as a testament to the ongoing importance of international collaboration in the realm of counter-terrorism, particularly between two significant military powers in the region, such as Pakistan and the United States. With counter-terrorism remaining a high priority for both countries, the ‘Inspired Gambit–2026’ exercise marks another critical step in strengthening their military capabilities and fostering a deeper partnership against global terror threats.