Exercise “Desert Cyclone II”

Exercise “Desert Cyclone II” Latest News

The Ministry of Defence informed that an Indian Army contingent has departed for the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) to participate in the second edition of the Joint Military Exercise Desert Cyclone II, scheduled to be conducted at Abu Dhabi from 18–30 December 2025.

About Exercise Desert Cyclone II

• Desert Cyclone II is the second edition of the India–U.A.E. Joint Military Exercise, following the inaugural edition held in 2024.
• The Indian contingent comprises 45 personnel, primarily drawn from a Mechanised Infantry Regiment battalion of the Indian Army.
• The A.E. Land Forces are represented by a contingent of similar strength from the 53 Mechanised Infantry Battalion.
• The core objective of the exercise is to enhance interoperability and strengthen defence cooperation between the Indian Army and the U.A.E. Land Forces.
• The exercise focuses on sub-conventional operations in urban environments under a United Nations mandate, preparing forces for peacekeeping, counter-terrorism, and stability operations.
• Joint training includes fighting in built-up areas, heliborne operations, and detailed joint mission planning.
• A key feature is the integration of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and counter-UAS techniques for conducting urban military operations.
• The conduct of Desert Cyclone II reflects deepening military diplomacy, shared strategic interests, and growing operational synergy between India and the U.A.E.

Key Facts about India–U.A.E. Defence Relations

• India and the U.A.E. established diplomatic relations in 1972.
• The A.E. opened its Embassy in New Delhi in 1972, while India opened its Embassy in Abu Dhabi in 1973.
• The first-ever India–U.A.E. Joint Air Forces exercise was conducted in September 2008 at the Al-Dhafra Air Base, Abu Dhabi.
• India has been a regular participant in the biennial International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) held in Abu Dhabi.
• In 2025, Indian Navy ships INS Visakhapatnam and INS Trikand participated in the bilateral naval exercise “Zayed Talwar”, aimed at enhancing naval interoperability and synergy.

Source: TH

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