ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Saudi Arabia conducted Joint Military Exercise Al Battar-II from 18–26 November 2025 in the Counter Terrorism domain, a military statement said on Wednesday.
Combat teams from the Pakistan Army’s Special Services Group (SSG) and the KSA Army participated in the exercise. The exercise closing ceremony was concluded on 26 November at Tabuk, KSA, according to a statement by Pakistan’s military media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
“The General Officer Commanding Special Services Group attended the closing ceremony as the Chief Guest from Pakistan, while senior military officials from the KSA were also present,” ISPR said.
Troops from both brotherly nations showcased outstanding professionalism, operational expertise, and interoperability throughout the exercise.
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Al Battar-II aimed to enhance joint capabilities in counterterrorism operations, with a special focus on combat in built-up areas, countering improvised explosive devices, and improving tactical drills and procedures through integrated training.
The exercise also contributed to further strengthening the longstanding and deeply rooted military ties between Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
“All training objectives were successfully achieved, reinforcing the commitment of both nations to regional peace, security, and collaborative defence preparedness,” the statement concluded.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have long enjoyed close ties but have sought to broaden cooperation in recent years, including a defence pact signed in Riyadh during the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit on September 18 and 34 memorandums of understanding worth $2.8 billion across multiple sectors last year.
The two nations share longstanding ties rooted in faith, mutual respect, and strategic cooperation, with Riyadh remaining a key political and economic partner of Islamabad.
The Kingdom also hosts over 2.5 million Pakistani expatriates, the largest source of remittances for Pakistan’s $407 billion economy.
