Indian Army Joins UAE for Joint Military Exercise DESERT CYCLONE-II
An Indian Army contingent has embarked on a significant mission to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to participate in the second iteration of the India-UAE Joint Military Exercise, known as DESERT CYCLONE-II. This pivotal event is scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi from December 18 to December 30, 2025.
The Indian delegation consists of 45 personnel primarily from a battalion of The Mechanised Infantry Regiment. In parallel, the UAE Land Forces will send a contingent of equal strength, represented by the 53 Mechanised Infantry Battalion. This collaboration is set to strengthen the military ties between the two nations.
Enhancing Interoperability and Defense Cooperation
The primary objective of Exercise DESERT CYCLONE-II is to improve interoperability and bolster defense cooperation between the Indian Army and the UAE Land Forces. The joint training will occur in an urban setting, focusing on sub-conventional operations under a United Nations mandate. This training aims to prepare both forces for effective collaboration in peacekeeping, counter-terrorism, and stability operations.
Over the nearly two-week exercise, troops from both countries will engage in various tactical drills. These will include operations in built-up areas, heliborne maneuvers, and detailed mission planning. Additionally, the exercise will incorporate the integration of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and counter-UAS techniques, tailored for operations in urban environments.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
The upcoming joint exercise builds on the successful visit of the Commander of UAE Land Forces, which took place on October 27-28, 2025, and the Commander of the UAE Presidential Guard from December 15-19, 2025. These previous interactions have laid a robust foundation for Exercise DESERT CYCLONE-II, which aims to further enhance defense relations between India and the UAE.
The conduct of DESERT CYCLONE-II symbolizes the deepening strategic partnership and military diplomacy between the two nations. It reaffirms the shared commitment of India and the UAE to achieving regional peace, security, and stability. This exercise is expected to strengthen professional relationships between the two armies, enhance mutual understanding of various tactics, and develop interoperable capabilities.
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