The Pakistan military on Wednesday inaugurated the 9th International Pakistan Army Team Spirit (PATS) Competition 2026, marking the participation of military contingents from 19 partner countries.
According to a post shared by PTV News on X, the opening ceremony took place at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Pabbi, aimed at strengthening military cooperation and collaboration among friendly nations.
The event features 24 international teams from countries including Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Maldives, Morocco, Nepal, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Türkiye, the United States of America, and Uzbekistan. Military observers from Indonesia, Myanmar and Thailand are also attending.
Alongside international participants, 16 teams from the Pakistan Army and Pakistan Navy, as well as observers from the Pakistan Air Force, are part of this year’s competition.
The PATS exercise is known for its mission-oriented structure, demanding exceptional physical endurance, mental strength, and tactical proficiency. It emphasizes rapid decision-making in challenging, near-real combat scenarios. The objective is to build team spirit, strengthen core soldiering skills, and enhance interoperability through the exchange of innovative ideas and best military practices.
Last year, the 8th edition was held at Kharian Garrison, featuring 15 national and international teams. That 60-hour, high-intensity event focused on operations in semi-mountainous terrain and aimed to elevate combat readiness, adaptability, and coordinated teamwork.
Over time, PATS has evolved into a prominent platform for global military collaboration and professional development.