Mazaj News (Web Desk) Military-to-military relations between Pakistan and the United States appear to be improving, highlighted by renewed joint exercises, major defense sales, and unusually positive remarks from President Donald Trump about Pakistan’s military leadership.
According to a statement from the US Central Command (Centcom), American and Pakistani forces recently completed joint training at Pakistan’s National Counter-Terrorism Center in Pabbi.
“This week, US and Pakistan Army personnel concluded training at Pakistan’s National Counter-Terrorism Center as part of Exercise Inspired Gambit, focusing on combined infantry tactics and counterterrorism operations. Exercises like this reinforce our long-standing defense partnership,” the statement said.
This training exercise comes amid broader indications of renewed engagement between the two countries’ militaries. In December, the United States approved a package of advanced technology and upgrades for Pakistan’s F-16 fighter jets, a deal valued at around $686 million. This approval followed regional tensions after Pakistan and India engaged in a brief but intense five-day conflict in May 2025.
Pakistan is reported to operate 70 to 80 F-16s, including upgraded Block-15 jets, former Jordanian aircraft, and newer Block-52+ models. US officials have consistently described the F-16 program as a cornerstone of bilateral military cooperation.
Political gestures from Washington have also drawn attention. President Trump has frequently praised Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, publicly calling him his “favorite field marshal.”
In a year-end briefing on December 31, Trump claimed that Pakistani leaders credited him with preventing a larger catastrophe after the India-Pakistan clash.
“The head of Pakistan and a highly respected general — a field marshal — as well as the Prime Minister of Pakistan said that President Trump saved 10 million lives, maybe more,” Trump said.
At the Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit on the Middle East in October 2025, Trump also acknowledged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, while again praising Munir. These remarks marked at least the tenth time since June that Trump, who began his second term in January, publicly commended Pakistan’s army chief.
In June 2025, Trump hosted Field Marshal Munir at the White House for lunch — the first time a sitting US president formally received Pakistan’s army chief. This meeting took place amid rising tensions with India, after Trump repeatedly claimed he personally helped prevent a broader conflict in May.
Analysts suggest that Washington’s renewed focus on the Middle East, especially Gaza and Iran, combined with Pakistan Air Force’s performance during the May clash, encouraged the US to strengthen ties with Pakistan’s military.
Pakistan has also expressed willingness to contribute to a US-led international stabilization force for Gaza, a controversial proposal promoted by Trump, signaling Islamabad’s interest in deeper security cooperation.
Once a key US ally and designated a major non-NATO partner after the September 11, 2001 attacks, Pakistan’s relations with Washington deteriorated over the years amid US concerns about Islamabad’s role in the war on terror.
However, early in his second term, Trump adopted a markedly different approach. In March, he publicly thanked Pakistan for arresting one of the suspects involved in the Abbey Gate bombing at Kabul airport in August 2021, which killed 13 US service members.
Recent joint exercises, arms deals, and high-level engagement indicate that defense relations between Washington and Islamabad are entering a new, more pragmatic phase.