Pakistan, China Launch First-Ever Joint Army Training Exercise ‘Karakoram 2026’
According to the Chinese military, “Karakoram 2026” marks the first joint army training activity between Pakistan and China.
Pakistan and China launched their first-ever joint army training exercise, “Karakoram 2026,” with an opening ceremony held at a training base in Korla, Northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on October 14, 2026.
According to a press release issued by China’s armed forces, the exercise focuses on joint counter-terrorism operations in high-altitude areas, aimed at strengthening military cooperation and operational interoperability between the two countries.
Following the opening ceremony, Pakistani and Chinese troops exchanged experiences in counter-terrorism operations, while Pakistani personnel also observed Chinese weapons and military equipment.
The joint training programme includes specialised skills development in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operations, on-the-move target searching and firing, and long-range sniping.
The exercise will also cover joint command operations and live-force exercises, providing opportunities for both armies to enhance coordination and operational capabilities in counter-terrorism scenarios.
According to the Chinese military, “Karakoram 2026” marks the first joint army training activity between Pakistan and China.
The exercise is expected to deepen bilateral military cooperation and strengthen interoperability between the two armed forces, particularly in conducting joint counter-terrorism operations in challenging high-altitude environments.
