Pabbi, Pakistan – A two-week-long joint military exercise between Pakistan and the United States, titled “Inspired Gambit–2026,” has officially commenced at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) in Pabbi, located in the Nowshera district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, marking another chapter in bilateral defence cooperation between the two countries.
According to military sources, this is the 13th iteration of the Pakistan–US joint exercise series, with a strong focus on counter-terrorism operations, professional skill enhancement, and interoperability between the armed forces of both nations. The opening ceremony was attended by senior military officials, reflecting the importance both sides attach to continued engagement in the security domain.
The exercise aims to share operational experiences, refine tactics, techniques and procedures, and improve coordination in complex security environments. Training activities will include marksmanship drills, close-quarter battle techniques, and urban warfare scenarios, enabling troops to learn from each other’s operational doctrines and combat practices.
Military analysts believe that such exercises play a critical role in strengthening mutual trust, operational readiness, and professional understanding between partner forces. In the context of evolving regional and global security challenges, counter-terrorism collaboration remains a key area where both Pakistan and the US find common ground.
Officials familiar with the exercise noted that Inspired Gambit–2026 also underscores Pakistan’s continued commitment to regional and global peace, while highlighting the importance of joint preparedness against non-traditional security threats, particularly terrorism.
The drills will continue over the next two weeks, with both contingents expected to participate in a range of simulated operational scenarios designed to enhance coordination and effectiveness in real-world missions. Observers say the exercise reflects sustained military-to-military engagement, even amid shifting geopolitical dynamics.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.