The opening ceremony of the 9th International Pakistan Army Team Spirit (PATS) Competition–2026 was held at the National Counter Terrorism Centre Pabbi, marking the start of a 60-hour long patrolling exercise designed to strengthen military-to-military cooperation among friendly nations.
According to a statement issued by Inter-Services Public Relations, the inaugural event was attended by a senior officer and formally launched one of Pakistan Army’s flagship multinational professional military competitions.
Strong International Participation
This year’s PATS competition has drawn 24 international teams from 19 friendly countries, along with military observers, reflecting Pakistan’s expanding defence engagement and training cooperation.
Participating countries include Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Maldives, Morocco, Nepal, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Türkiye, United States of America, and Uzbekistan. In addition, Indonesia, Myanmar, and Thailand are taking part as observers.
From Pakistan, 16 domestic teams from the Pakistan Army and the Pakistan Navy are participating, while observers from the Pakistan Air Force are also present.
A Realistic, High-Intensity Military Exercise
Pakistan Army Team Spirit is a mission-specific and task-oriented professional military exercise hosted annually in Pakistan. The competition places participating teams in a near real operational environment, requiring them to conduct demanding sub-tactical missions under physical and mental stress.
The exercise emphasizes:
- Endurance and physical fitness
- Mental resilience under pressure
- Rapid decision-making
- Small-unit tactics and leadership
- Coordination in complex terrain
Participants are tested continuously over 60 hours, making PATS one of the most demanding patrolling competitions in the region.
Enhancing Interoperability and Professional Exchange
The primary aim of PATS is to promote perseverance through team spirit while sharpening core soldierly skills. The exercise also serves as a platform for interoperability, allowing participating forces to share best practices, innovative ideas, and operational experiences.
Military analysts note that PATS has become an important soft-power and defence-diplomacy tool for Pakistan, reinforcing its image as a professional military training hub, particularly in counter-terrorism and small-unit operations.
The continued participation of a wide range of countries—from the Middle East, South Asia, Central Asia, Europe, and North America—underscores the growing international relevance of the Pakistan Army Team Spirit competition.
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