Rawalpindi: Pakistan and the United States have launched their 13th bilateral joint counterterrorism exercise, Inspired Gambit-2026, which began on January 9, 2026, at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in Pabbi, according to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
In a statement, the military’s media wing said the two-week exercise is being conducted in the counterterrorism domain and involves professional contingents from both the Pakistan Army and the United States Army.
The ISPR stated that the exercise aims to strengthen mutual understanding and operational interoperability through the exchange of counterterrorism experiences, while further improving tactics, techniques, and procedures critical for effective CT operations.
Special focus is being placed on marksmanship skills in urban warfare scenarios, as well as on familiarising participants with each other’s operational doctrines and best practices.
“These joint training activities are essential for addressing evolving security threats, enhancing professional military standards, and strengthening the ability of both forces to operate effectively in complex counterterrorism environments,” the ISPR said.
The statement added that Inspired Gambit-2026 underscores the continued commitment of Pakistan and the United States to cooperative efforts in support of peace and regional stability.
The exercise comes just a month after the Pakistan Army conducted the joint military drill Warrior-IX with China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA). The ninth iteration of the annual bilateral counterterrorism exercise began on December 1, focusing on improving interoperability, sharpening professional skills, and exchanging best practices in modern warfare.
According to the ISPR, Exercise Warrior-IX highlights the strong military-to-military ties between Pakistan and China and reaffirms their shared dedication to regional peace, stability, and security.
