Pakistan, Egypt launch Thunder-II at Cherat

Pakistan and Egypt have launched the joint counter-terrorism exercise Thunder-II at the Special Operations School in Cherat. The two-week drill involves special forces from both countries, the ISPR said.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Egypt on Monday started their joint military exercise, Thunder-II, at the Special Operations School in Cherat, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The military’s media wing said the bilateral exercise is focused on counter-terrorism and will continue for two weeks. Troops from the Pakistan Army’s Special Services Group and the Egyptian Army’s Special Forces are taking part in the drills.

According to the ISPR, the Commandant of the Special Operations School attended the opening ceremony as the chief guest.

The ISPR said the exercise is intended to improve professional capabilities through joint training and to further deepen the longstanding military-to-military relationship between Pakistan and Egypt.

The participating personnel would gain from sharing each other’s experience and expertise, particularly in the conduct of counter-terrorism operations.

Pakistan’s armed forces regularly hold joint exercises with foreign militaries as part of efforts to exchange professional knowledge and strengthen combat preparedness.

In January, Pakistan and the United States held a joint military exercise titled Inspired Gambit–2026, which was aimed at enhancing counter-terrorism cooperation between the two armies.

Counter-terrorism focus

The ISPR said Thunder-II brings together special operations troops from both countries for joint training in the counter-terrorism domain. The exercise is designed to sharpen professional skills while also promoting closer cooperation between the armed forces of Pakistan and Egypt.

The military’s media wing stated that the exchange of operational experience during the exercise would be particularly useful for both sides in the area of counter-terrorism operations.

Ongoing military cooperation

The start of Thunder-II reflects Pakistan’s continuing practice of engaging in bilateral military exercises with partner countries. Such engagements are conducted to improve readiness and facilitate the sharing of expertise among participating forces.

The ISPR’s statement linked the latest exercise to broader efforts aimed at maintaining professional interaction with foreign militaries. Earlier this year, Pakistan and the United States also carried out a joint exercise, Inspired Gambit–2026, with a similar emphasis on counter-terrorism cooperation.