Pakistan joins Türkiye, Azerbaijan in major Uzbekistan military drill

Special forces from Pakistan and three other countries have completed a multinational military exercise in Uzbekistan, highlighting growing cooperation in training, operational coordination and countering emerging security challenges.

The Eternal Brotherhood-5 exercise was held in Uzbekistan from September 13 to 25, according to state-run PTV. Special forces from Pakistan, Türkiye, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan participated, while Kazakhstan joined the exercise as an observer.

The multinational drill was designed to improve cooperation and communication among the participating special forces while providing an opportunity to strengthen their professional capabilities.

According to the report, troops from the participating countries shared experience in modern military operations, combat strategies and approaches to dealing with evolving security threats. The exercise also provided an environment for personnel from different forces to train together and develop greater coordination.

The exercise is part of a broader pattern of military engagement between Pakistan and friendly regional countries. Islamabad has increasingly used joint exercises as a platform for professional training, operational exchanges and strengthening military-to-military contacts.

Pakistan and Uzbekistan, in particular, have continued to expand defence cooperation. The two countries have previously agreed to maintain mutual participation in military exercises and training while promoting professional development, exchanging best practices and strengthening links between military institutions.

Pakistan has also conducted similar exercises with other partners this year. In April, Pakistani and Egyptian forces completed a two-week military exercise focused on counter-terrorism. In January, Pakistan and the United States held the 13th edition of their bilateral exercise, Inspired Gambit 2026, which also focused on counter-terrorism.

Pakistan and Kazakhstan held a joint counter-terrorism training exercise in October 2025, aimed at improving military-to-military relations and operational cooperation.

The latest exercise also reflects the expanding security engagement among Pakistan, Türkiye, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan. The four countries have previously participated in multinational military activities aimed at improving regional security cooperation.

The development comes shortly after Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia agreed to establish a mechanism for joint military training under their trilateral defence cooperation framework.

For Pakistan, participation in Eternal Brotherhood-5 provides another opportunity for its special forces to train alongside regional counterparts and exchange operational experience.

While the exercise was primarily focused on training, its multinational format also demonstrates the increasing frequency of defence contacts among countries seeking closer coordination on security issues.