“What impressed me most about this joint training is that the Pakistani military has real combat experience, so many of their lessons are worth learning,” Pan Li, a member of a unit under the Xinjiang military command, said of ongoing bilateral exercises.
The China-Pakistan Karakoram 2026 joint army training exercise in Korla, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, has transitioned into its segmented drill phase. Mixed units have completed a full reconnaissance, strike, and clearance sequence, according to CCTV News.
Announced on October 10 by Senior Colonel Chen Xi, a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of National Defense, the exercises mark the first joint army training carried out by the two countries. The program focuses on joint counter-terrorism and clearance operations in high-altitude areas, featuring skill training in unmanned aerial vehicle operation, target search and firing on the move, and long-range sniping.
Segmented Drill Sequence and Equipment Deployment in Korla
The active drill phase involved reconnaissance, strike, and clearance sequences. The assets tracked real-time force dispositions and movements before handing over to the fire strike phase.
Following the strike phase, a Chinese Type 08 infantry fighting vehicle carried assault teams forward. CCTV footage highlighted that the Type 08 vehicles were fitted with metal roof cages and side grilles specifically designed to counter drone attacks.
Assault troops dismounted immediately upon reaching their positions, moving into the camp alongside clearance teams transported in additional Type 08 vehicles. These troops coordinated with robot dogs deployed in live drills.
According to a CCTV Military channel report, all participating weapons and equipment were provided by China. The inventory includes Type 191 rifles, Type 201 squad machine guns, Type 11 armored assault vehicles, Type 08 infantry fighting vehicles, artillery, and both unmanned and anti-unmanned systems.
Armored vehicles adopt roof cages for modern combat
Did You Know? The inclusion of roof cages on armored vehicles represents a rapid tactical adaptation influenced by modern combat lessons from the Russia-Ukraine and Middle East conflicts, where unmanned systems have exposed vulnerabilities on the upper surfaces, rear sections, and engine compartments of armored units.
New footage from the #ChinaPakistan #Karakoram2026 joint army training exercise shows a Type 08 IFV fitted with a roof cage and side grilles to counter drone attacks, with drone swarms and robot dogs also deployed in live drills. An expert said such adaptations reflect lessons…
Song Zhongping, a Chinese military affairs expert, noted that plateau units must utilize asymmetric assets like drones and develop counter-drone tactics suited for high-altitude terrain to address potential sabotage operations by terrorist groups.
The training also emphasized tactical exchanges between the two armed forces. Describing a specific infantry tactic observed from Pakistani counterparts, Pan Li noted that throwing grenades so they bounce and ricochet twice before settling prevents enemies from picking them up and returning them.
Karakoram 2026 exercise begins in Xinjiang
When and where is the Karakoram 2026 exercise taking place?
The joint army training began in mid-October 2026 at a training base in Korla city, located in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
What specific equipment is being utilized during the drills?
All participating weapons and equipment were provided by China, featuring Type 191 rifles, Type 201 squad machine guns, Type 11 armored assault vehicles, Type 08 infantry fighting vehicles, artillery, and unmanned counter-drone systems.
What are the primary operational objectives of the exercise?
The exercise focuses on joint counter-terrorism and clearance operations in high-altitude areas, incorporating UAV operations, moving-target engagements, long-range sniping, and joint command operations.
How might these joint tactical frameworks influence future high-altitude counter-terrorism deployments for participating units?