ISLAMABAD – Pakistan Army and Royal Saudi Land Forces wrapped up their high-intensity joint counterterrorism exercise on Wednesday in another leap forward in rapidly strengthening defence partnership between the two long-standing allies.
Army spokesperson praised participating troops, saying forces from both “brotherly nations” delivered exceptional professionalism, razor-sharp operational skills, and flawless interoperability throughout the drills.
Pakistan–Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) Joint Military Exercise: Al-Battar-II 🇸🇦🇵🇰
JME Al-Battar-II was conducted from 18–26th November 2025 in the Counter Terrorism domain. Combat teams from the Pakistan Army’s Special Services Group (SSG) and the KSA Army participated in the… pic.twitter.com/Zck0HPlNmb
— Pakistan Strategic Forum (@ForumStrategic) November 26, 2025
The exercise Al Battar-II pushed both militaries through advanced counterterrorism scenarios, focusing heavily on urban warfare, neutralising improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and upgrading tactical combat drills through integrated, hands-on training sessions. The joint manoeuvres were designed not just to train, but to elevate combined battlefield capability to the next level.
According to the military’s media wing, the drills didn’t just meet expectations — they successfully achieved every objective, underscoring a strong mutual commitment to protecting regional peace, strengthening security frameworks, and enhancing joint defence preparedness.
The closing ceremony was a high-profile affair, attended by top military officials from both countries. The General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Pakistan’s elite Special Services Group (SSG) presided over the ceremony as the chief guest, highlighting the significance Pakistan attaches to this strategic partnership.
The conclusion of Al Battar-II comes at time when Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are openly reaffirming their defence ties. On Monday, the Saudi armed forces chief expressed the kingdom’s desire to raise bilateral defence and strategic collaboration to unprecedented levels.
This momentum follows the landmark Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement signed in Riyadh in September as any attack on one country would be considered an attack on both, cementing a collective security arrangement rarely seen in the region.
With Al Battar-II now completed, defence analysts say Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have sent a clear message: their military alliance is not only historic.
