China and Pakistan conducted their first joint army drill, Karakoram 2026, at a training base in Korla, Xinjiang, on Thursday. The exercise marked the first time the two armies trained together, after years of annual air force and naval drills. The opening ceremony, attended by senior officers from both sides, underscored the deepening defence ties. The drills were held in a high‑altitude environment that mirrors the terrain of the China‑India border.
All weapons and equipment used were supplied by China, including Type 191 rifles, Type 201 squad machine guns, Type 11 armored assault vehicles and Type 08 infantry fighting vehicles. Artillery systems, unmanned aerial platforms and anti‑drone systems were also deployed. China supplies more than 80 percent of the arms that Pakistan’s three services use, according to CCTV.
Military affairs expert Wang Yunfei explained that wheeled armored vehicles offer speed and easier maintenance on mountain roads, giving the troops a tactical edge. Senior Colonel Chen Xi said the program would train in unmanned aerial vehicle operations, mobile target detection and long‑range sniping. The focus on counter‑terrorism and clearance missions reflects the two nations’ shared security concerns.
Pakistan’s experience in managing complex border security and separatist movements could provide China with lessons. Zhang Jueshe highlighted that China could offer technical assistance in drones and intelligent combat platforms to strengthen Pakistan’s surveillance capabilities. The exchange also aims to deepen intelligence sharing and joint operational experience.
Karakoram 2026 is expected to broaden China‑Pakistan military cooperation beyond air and naval exercises. The drills aim to improve interoperability and set the groundwork for future joint counter‑terrorism operations, potentially shaping Pakistan’s procurement of more Chinese‑made systems.