The 13th Pakistan–United States bilateral joint exercise, Inspired Gambit–2026, commenced on January 9, 2026, at the National Counter Terrorism Centre, according to a press release issued by Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The two-week-long exercise is being conducted in the counter-terrorism (CT) domain and involves professional contingents from the Pakistan Army and the United States Army.
Officials from both sides attended the opening ceremony, marking the formal start of the annual bilateral engagement.
#ISPR
Rawalpindi, 10 January, 2026:The 13th #Pakistan–United States bilateral joint exercise, Inspired Gambit–2026, commenced on 09 January 2026 at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Pabbi. The two-week-long exercise is being conducted in the Counter Terrorism (CT)… pic.twitter.com/7jtx3RRcmJ
— Pakistan Armed Forces News 🇵🇰 (@PakistanFauj) January 10, 2026
Focus on Urban Warfare and Counter-Terrorism Operations
Inspired Gambit–2026 is designed to enhance mutual understanding, interoperability, and operational coordination between the two forces through the exchange of counter-terrorism experiences.
Key focus areas of the exercise include:
- Urban warfare and close-quarter battle techniques
- Advanced marksmanship and room-clearing drills
- Joint planning and execution of CT operations
- Understanding operational doctrines and best practices
The training aims to refine tactics, techniques, and procedures required to operate effectively in complex and high-threat counter-terrorism environments.
Strategic Importance of NCTC Pabbi
The National Counter Terrorism Centre at Pabbi is Pakistan Army’s premier CT training facility, established after years of operational experience in countering militancy. It regularly hosts international military delegations and joint exercises, reflecting Pakistan’s recognized expertise in counter-terrorism operations.
Holding Inspired Gambit–2026 at NCTC underscores Pakistan’s role as a key partner in global counter-terrorism efforts.
Broader Context of Pakistan–US Military Cooperation
The Inspired Gambit series forms part of a longstanding Pakistan–US military-to-military engagement, focused on:
- Counter-terrorism cooperation
- Professional military education and training
- Experience-sharing from real-world operations
Despite fluctuations in broader political relations, both countries have continued to engage through focused, domain-specific military cooperation, particularly in counter-terrorism and regional security.
Strengthening Capacity Against Evolving Threats
According to ISPR, such joint exercises are vital for:
- Addressing evolving security challenges
- Enhancing professional military standards
- Improving the ability of both forces to operate jointly
The exercise also helps build trust, communication, and coordination between the two armies at the tactical level.
Commitment to Regional and Global Stability
Inspired Gambit–2026 reflects the continued commitment of Pakistan and the United States to collaborative efforts aimed at peace and stability, particularly in regions affected by terrorism and asymmetric threats.
The exercise is expected to conclude later this month with a closing ceremony and joint evaluation of operational outcomes.
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