Table of Contents
India–UAE Joint Military Exercise Desert Cyclone II Begins
Overview
- Exercise Launch: The second round of the Desert Cyclone joint military exercise has officially started, showing continued defence cooperation between India and the UAE.
- Start Date: The exercise began on 18 December 2025 as part of regular military cooperation between the two countries.
- Venue Location: It is being held in Abu Dhabi, which gives Indian soldiers experience of training in the desert environment of the Middle East.
- Duration Period: The exercise will continue till 30 December 2025, giving enough time for detailed training activities.
- Joint Initiative: Soldiers from the Indian Army and the UAE Land Forces are taking part together in this exercise.
- Strategic Focus: The main aim is to improve defence relations and prepare both armies for modern security challenges.
Background and History of the Exercise
- First Edition: The first Desert Cyclone exercise was conducted in January 2024 and marked the beginning of this joint military training.
- Indian Venue: That exercise was held at the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan, which is suitable for desert warfare training.
- Initial Focus: The first exercise mainly focused on fighting non-traditional threats like terrorism and insurgency.
- Terrain Training: Soldiers trained in hot desert and semi-desert conditions to improve their physical and mental strength.
- Operational Lessons: Both armies learned important lessons about working together during the first edition.
- Second Edition: Based on the success of the first exercise, the second edition is now being hosted by the UAE.
Participating Forces and Composition
- Indian Contingent: India has sent 45 soldiers, mainly from a Mechanised Infantry Regiment of the Indian Army.
- UAE Contingent: The UAE Land Forces are represented by soldiers from the 53 Mechanised Infantry Battalion.
- Equal Strength: Both sides have sent nearly the same number of troops to maintain balance during training.
- Mechanised Units: Mechanised infantry units were chosen to focus on fast movement and armoured operations.
- Advance Deployment: Indian soldiers reached the UAE early to adjust to the climate and prepare for the exercise.
Objectives and Strategic Significance
- Enhancing Interoperability
- Joint Planning: Soldiers from both countries plan missions together to understand each other’s working methods.
- Operational Synergy: The exercise helps both armies work smoothly together during real operations.
- Communication Skills: Special focus is given to improving communication during joint military actions.
- Urban and Sub-Conventional Operations
- Urban Warfare: Training is focused on fighting in towns, cities, and built-up areas.
- Counter-Terror Focus: Situations related to terrorism and irregular fighting methods are practiced.
- Complex Terrain: Soldiers learn how to operate in difficult and unpredictable environments.
- United Nations Mandate Alignment
- UN Framework: Training is done according to United Nations peacekeeping rules and guidelines.
- Multinational Readiness: The exercise prepares soldiers to work with forces from other countries in global missions.
- Standard Procedures: Troops follow international military procedures and humanitarian rules.
- Technology Integration and Innovation
- Drone Usage: Drones are used to observe enemy movement and gather information from the air.
- Counter-UAS: Soldiers train to deal with enemy drones that may pose security threats.
- Modern Warfare: The exercise includes the use of modern equipment and technology used in today’s wars.
Core Training Components
- FIBUA Training: Soldiers practice fighting inside buildings and narrow streets.
- Heliborne Ops: Helicopter-based operations are conducted to improve fast troop movement.
- Mission Planning: Soldiers are trained to plan and carry out military missions step by step.
- Joint Drills: Both armies perform drills together to build teamwork and trust.
- Situational Awareness: Use of technology helps soldiers understand the battlefield better.
Diplomatic and Defence Relations Impact
- Strategic Trust: Such exercises increase trust and confidence between the two armed forces.
- Defence Diplomacy: Joint exercises strengthen friendly relations through military cooperation.
- High-Level Visits: Support from senior military officers highlights the importance of the exercise.
- Regional Stability: Cooperation between India and UAE helps maintain peace in the region.
- Long-Term Partnership: The exercise strengthens long-term defence relations between both countries.
Important Questions
- What is Exercise Desert Cyclone II and which two countries are participating in it?
- Where and during which dates is Exercise Desert Cyclone II being conducted?
- Which military units from India and the UAE are taking part in Exercise Desert Cyclone II?
- What are the main objectives of Exercise Desert Cyclone II for both armed forces?
- How does Exercise Desert Cyclone II help in strengthening defence and diplomatic relations between India and the UAE?
Conclusion
Exercise Desert Cyclone II is an important joint military exercise that helps India and the UAE improve coordination, trust, and operational readiness between their armed forces. Through shared training in desert and urban conditions, use of modern technology, and focus on peacekeeping roles, the exercise strengthens defence cooperation and supports long-term strategic relations while contributing to regional and global security.
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