Pakistan and China launch joint military exercise ‘Warrior-IX’

WEB DESK: The Pakistan Army and the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) have officially commenced their ninth annual joint military exercise, codenamed “Warrior-9.” According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the drills began on December 1, 2025, at the National Counter Terrorism Centre in Pabbi. This latest iteration of the long-running bilateral series underscores the deepening military and strategic ties between the two nations, which both militaries describe as an “Iron Brotherhood.”

As in previous years, the primary focus of Warrior-9 is on counter-terrorism operations. The stated objectives are to enhance tactical interoperability, refine professional military skills, and facilitate the exchange of best practices in line with contemporary warfare demands. These exercises serve as a critical platform for both forces to simulate complex scenarios, thereby improving coordination and operational readiness in confronting shared security challenges.

The opening ceremony featured the presence of high-ranking officials from both sides, including the Corps Commander Mangla from Pakistan and a Deputy Chief of Staff from the PLA’s Western Theatre Command. Their attendance highlights the strategic importance both countries place on this defence cooperation. The ISPR emphasized that the Warrior series is a concrete symbol of the robust, time-tested defence partnership between Pakistan and China, a relationship built on mutual trust and a comprehensive strategic alignment.

The commencement of Warrior-9 reaffirms the continuity of this key military dialogue and collaborative training, projecting a unified front in regional security matters.