- ISPR says 8th edition of joint exercise focuses on drone warfare, urban combat, and countering IED threats
- Vice Chief of General Staff attends opening as Chief Guest along with Russian officials
RAWALPINDI: The Joint Military Exercise Druzhba-VIII between Pakistan and Russia is under way from September 15 to 27, focusing on counter-terrorism operations, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Friday.
The Vice Chief of General Staff attended the opening ceremony as Chief Guest from Pakistan, while senior Russian military officials were also present. Troops from both countries showcased high levels of professional skill and discipline during the drills.
#ISPR
Rawalpindi, 26 Sep, 2025Pakistan – #Russia Joint Exercise Druzhba-VIII between #Pakistan Army and Russian Army is being conducted from 15-27 September 2025 in Counter Terrorism domain.
Vice Chief of General Staff graced the ceremony as Chief Guest from Pakistan side,… pic.twitter.com/SAAfdv73bR
— Pakistan Armed Forces News 🇵🇰 (@PakistanFauj) September 26, 2025
According to ISPR, the exercise is designed to refine standard operating procedures and operational techniques for counter-terrorism, with a special emphasis on drone warfare, combat in built-up areas, and countering improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The joint training also aims to deepen interoperability and strengthen the historic military-to-military relations between the two countries.
Exercise Druzhba—which means “friendship” in Russian—was launched in 2016 as part of growing defense cooperation between Islamabad and Moscow. Since its inception, the exercise has expanded in scale and scope, covering specialized training in counter-terrorism operations, hostage rescue missions, and urban warfare.
ISPR highlighted that the annual exercise not only provides a platform to share operational experiences but also helps both armies adapt to evolving threats in modern warfare. “The participation of both countries in such joint drills reflects their commitment to strengthening defense collaboration and enhancing regional security,” the release stated.
Observers note that the regular conduct of Druzhba reflects a broader warming of Pakistan-Russia ties, which were once strained during the Cold War but have seen steady improvement since the early 2000s. Over the past decade, the two countries have expanded cooperation in defense, energy, and political domains, with counter-terrorism emerging as a key area of mutual interest.
The ongoing exercise marks the eighth edition of Druzhba and comes at a time when both countries face evolving security challenges, highlighting their shared resolve to combat terrorism and maintain regional stability.
