Russia, Pakistan conduct joint anti-terrorism drills

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
10 Oct 2025 12:37
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Russia and Pakistan jointly conducted the Druzhba-2025 exercises, enhancing counterterrorism cooperation and military interoperability.

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A member of the Russian Airborne forces and a serviceman of the Pakistani army special forces shake hands during a closing ceremony of the Friendship-2019 joint military drills of Russia and Pakistan at the Molkino training range outside Krasnodar, Russia, on October 11, 2019. (Sputnik)

Russia and Pakistan have strengthened their military cooperation through a series of joint exercises aimed at enhancing counterterrorism capabilities, officials from both countries confirmed.

The Druzhba (Friendship)-2025 exercises were held in Russia’s Southern Military District, where about 200 troops, including Russian special forces with counterterrorism experience, participated. The drills focused on coordinated anti-terrorism operations and improving interoperability between the armed forces of both nations, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.

“The joint Russian-Pakistani exercise Druzhba-2025 was held on the territory of the Southern Military District,” the ministry said, noting that the exercises involved joint unit actions against international terrorism.

Since 2016, the Druzhba exercises have alternated between Russia and Pakistan, serving as a platform to broaden and strengthen military cooperation.

Druzhba-VIII exercises in Pakistan

Earlier, from September 15 to 27, the two countries conducted Druzhba-VIII at Pakistan’s National Counter-Terrorism Center in Pabbi. Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) highlighted that the exercises focused on drone warfare, urban combat, and countering improvised explosive devices.

“The exercise was aimed at refining the drills, procedures, and techniques involved in counterterrorism operations,” the ISPR said.

Senior officials from both sides attended the exercises, demonstrating the commitment to maintaining historic military-to-military relations and high standards of operational professionalism.

These joint drills reflect the growing defense partnership between Russia and Pakistan, emphasizing collaboration in counterterrorism and regional security. In March 2025, both countries also participated in the Arabian Monsoon-VI naval exercise in the North Arabian Sea, alongside China and Iran, highlighting a wider scope of strategic military cooperation.