On November 5, 2020 the Russian Federation Special Forces’ contingent arrived in Pakistan to participate in the two-week long joint exercise codenamed DRUZHBA (Friendship). The exercise was conducted in two stages at Tarbela and NCTC Pabbi. During the exercise, the teams shared valuable experience in the counter-terrorism domain and displayed the highest standards of training and professionalism.

The opening ceremony of DRUZHBA-V was held at Tarbela on November 8, 2020. National anthems of both countries were played at the start of this ceremony. The ceremony was attended by Russia’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Mr. Danila Ganich. Senior officials from both the armies were also present at the occasion.

During the exercise, the participating troops practiced counter-terrorism drills and procedures, rappelling and preparations for sky diving. Sports activities were also part of the exercise. Among these various tactical actions, sky diving and hostage rescue operations were the highlights of Exercise DRUZHBA-V.
The exercise concluded on November 19, 2020 with a closing ceremony held at National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC) near Kharian. Pakistan and Russian Federation’s Special Forces’ contingents demonstrated real-time skillful drills and procedures of counter-terrorism operations.

Russia’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Danila Ganich, Inspector General Training and Evaluation (IGT&E) Lieutenant General Sher Afgun and senior military officials from both sides witnessed the closing ceremony.