Pakistan-Russia military drill is aimed at sharing experience of both armies in counter-terrorism domain
Over 70 Russian special operations troops arrived in Pakistan on November 5 to participate in the joint Russian-Pakistani military exercise named Druzhba 5 (aka Friendship 2020).
“Russian Federation Special Forces’ contingent arrived in Pakistan for two weeks long joint exercise Druzhba 5. The exercise is aimed at sharing both armies’ experiences in counterterrorism domain,” the ISPR said in a statement.
The two-week-long Pakistan-Russia Friendship 2020 drills would formally commence on November 8 in Tarbela and at the national counterterrorism center in Pabbi.
The Russian military personnel were tested for COVID-19 before leaving for the exercise and the exercise will be held in compliance with all coronavirus measures in place.
The Russian defence ministry said the exercise was aimed to strengthen military cooperation between the two countries, and it was being held under the framework of international military cooperation.
“During the exercise, the military personnel of the two countries will exchange experience and work out interaction in performing tasks within the framework of training combat operations, in particular, to destroy illegal armed formations,” as well as conducting reconnaissance and search measures employing aircraft and technical reconnaissance capabilities, the Russian defence ministry said.
Sky diving and hostage rescue operations will be highlights of the exercise, the Pakistani statement said.
These exercises have been regularly held since 2016 alternating in Pakistan and Russia.