ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United States have commenced the 13th bilateraljoint military exercise, Inspired Gambit-2026, at the National CounterTerrorism Centre in Pabbi, marking a significant step in counter-terrorismcooperation between the two nations. The two-week-long drills, which beganon January 9, 2026, involve professional contingents from the armies ofboth countries, focusing on enhancing interoperability and sharingexpertise in combating terrorism. This development comes shortly afterPakistan concluded comprehensive exercises with China, raising questionsabout the strategic balancing act in South Asia’s evolving securitylandscape.
The exercise is being conducted in the counter-terrorism domain, withemphasis on refining tactics, techniques, and procedures essential foreffective operations in complex environments. According to theInter-Services Public Relations, officials from both sides attended theopening ceremony, underscoring the commitment to collaborative efforts forpeace and stability. The training includes aspects such as urban warfare,precision marksmanship, and mutual understanding of operational doctrines,aimed at addressing evolving threats posed by terrorist networks.
This latest engagement follows the successful completion of Warrior-IX, theninth round of joint counter-terrorism drills between Pakistan and China,held from November 28 to December 14, 2025, also at the NCTC in Pabbi. TheWarrior-IX exercise featured mixed-group training, live-fire shooting,drone reconnaissance, joint fire strikes, and airborne assaults, testingreal-combat capabilities against terrorism scenarios. It strengthenedmilitary-to-military cooperation between the two long-standing partners,with troops from the People’s Liberation Army participating alongsidePakistani forces.
The NCTC in Pabbi has emerged as a key hub for advanced counter-terrorismtraining, hosting multiple international exercises in recent years.Established as a state-of-the-art facility, it focuses on developingphysical fitness, mental robustness, obstacle negotiation, and field craftfor participants. The centre has trained personnel from various friendlycountries, reflecting Pakistan’s growing role in global capacity-buildingagainst terrorism following operations like Zarb-e-Azb.
Observers note that Pakistan’s concurrent military engagements with boththe United States and China highlight its diplomatic agility in maintainingbalanced relations with major powers. While the US exercises emphasizeinteroperability in counter-terrorism, the China drills incorporateadvanced technologies like drones and integrated operations. This dualapproach allows Pakistan to benefit from diverse expertise, enhancing itsown capabilities amid persistent regional security challenges.
The timing of these exercises has drawn attention in the context of recentSouth Asian developments, including a brief but intense militaryconfrontation between India and Pakistan in May 2025, which ended in aceasefire. Reports indicate that Pakistan achieved certain battlefieldadvantages during the clash, partly attributed to Chinese-supplied systems.Such events have intensified discussions about the implications ofdeepening defense ties in the region.
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Pakistan’s strategic positioning enables it to engage constructively withboth Washington and Beijing, contributing to broader efforts againstterrorism while safeguarding national interests. The Inspired Gambit-2026exercise reflects continued US commitment to partnering with Pakistan onsecurity matters, even as bilateral relations have experienced fluctuationsover the years. Similarly, the Warrior-IX drills reinforce the all-weatherfriendship with China, focused on shared goals of regional stability.
These joint initiatives are expected to improve professional militarystandards and foster better coordination in countering transnationalthreats. As terrorism remains a global concern, such collaborationsunderscore the importance of international cooperation. The exercises atPabbi demonstrate Pakistan’s proactive role in building coalitions toaddress security challenges effectively.
In the broader geopolitical context, Pakistan’s ability to conducthigh-level drills with two major powers within months illustrates apragmatic foreign policy approach. This has implications for regionaldynamics, particularly in managing tensions along borders and counteringextremist elements. The success of these exercises may pave the way forfuture engagements, further solidifying Pakistan’s standing ininternational defense cooperation.Inspired Gambit 2026
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