Pak, Russian armies begin two-week joint military exercise

Special Forces of Pakistan and Russian armies started a two-week long joint counter-terrorism exercise in in Russia's Minralney Vody on Monday.

Pakistan army's media wing, Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement that the opening ceremony of the DRUZBA 2017, which was attended by senior military officials of special forces of both countries.

"The joint exercise will focus on counter-terrorism operations, hostage and rescue, Cordon and Search Operation. The joint exercise will enhance and further strengthen military ties between both the countries and share Pakistan Army's experience in war against terrorism," the statement further said.

Moscow and Islamabad have broadened their defense and economic cooperation in the recent years, possibly giving a rise to a new regional alignment following strained relations between Pakistan and the United States, mainly on Afghanistan.

Earlier, Russia had delivered Mi-171E non defence helicopter in a convertible option to the representatives of Pakistan's Balochistan province.

Russian Helicopters, a helicopter manufacturing company, had signed its first contract with the government of the Balochistan province in December 2016 for civil products supply.

This is already the second Mi-171E helicopter delivered to Pakistan this year. A total of over 12,000 Mi-8/17s are in service in over 100 countries.

The helicopter comes in a convertible option, which can be converted from a freight one to a VIP cabin with 13 seats and a flight attendant at customer's option within the short period.

Mi-171E can carry up to 27 passengers and up to four tonnes of cargo inside the cabin or on the external suspension in its transport version.