RAWALPINDI, Tuesday, September 22, 2026: The Pakistan Army on Tuesday began separate two-week joint military exercises with the Russian Army and Royal Army of Oman, focusing on counter-terrorism operations, combat skills and greater interoperability between the participating forces.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the ninth edition of the Pakistan-Russia Joint Exercise Druzhba-IX commenced at Cherat, while the second Pakistan-Oman Joint Exercise Washaq Al Jabal-II, also known as Mountain Lynx-II, began at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in Pabbi.
Contingents from the Pakistan Army are participating alongside troops from the Russian Army and Royal Army of Oman in the respective exercises.
The two-week drills are designed to provide participating forces with an opportunity to exchange operational experience and refine counter-terrorism drills and procedures.
ISPR said the exercises would also focus on improving interoperability among participating troops through joint training and the exchange of military best practices.
The soldiers will train together to sharpen their combat skills and tactical expertise while gaining experience from their counterparts in different operational environments.
The Pakistan-Russia Druzhba series has developed into a regular military training engagement between the two countries, with counter-terrorism and tactical operations forming a key part of the exercises.
The Pakistan-Oman Washaq Al Jabal exercise, meanwhile, focuses on strengthening professional interaction and operational coordination between the Pakistan Army and Royal Army of Oman.
According to ISPR, the joint training activities are also expected to further strengthen Pakistan’s bilateral defence cooperation with Russia and Oman.
The simultaneous exercises at Cherat and NCTC Pabbi reflect Pakistan Army’s continuing military-to-military engagement with partner countries, particularly in training for counter-terrorism operations and sharing operational expertise.