5 days ago
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An Indian Army contingent has departed on Wednesday (December 17, 2025) for the United Arab Emirates to participate in the second edition of the India-United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) Joint Military Exercise Desert Cyclone II, scheduled to be held at Abu Dhabi from December 18 to 30, 2025.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the Indian contingent comprises 45 personnel, primarily drawn from a battalion of the Mechanised Infantry Regiment. The U.A.E. Land Forces will be represented by a contingent of similar strength from the 53 Mechanised Infantry Battalion.
The aim of the exercise is to enhance interoperability and further strengthen defence cooperation between the Indian Army and the U.A.E. Land Forces. The joint training will focus on sub-conventional operations in an urban environment under a United Nations mandate, enabling both forces to operate together in peacekeeping, counter-terrorism and stability operations, it added.
During the nearly two-week-long exercise, troops from both sides will train together on a wide range of tactical drills, including fighting in built-up areas, heliborne operations and detailed mission planning. The exercise will also see the integration of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and counter-UAS techniques for the conduct of operations in urban settings.
Building on the momentum generated by the successful visit of the Commander, U.A.E. Land Forces, on October 27 and 28, 2025, and the Commander, U.A.E. Presidential Guard, from December 15 to 19, 2025, Exercise Desert Cyclone II is expected to further strengthen bilateral defence cooperation between India and the U.A.E.
The conduct of Desert Cyclone II underscores the deepening strategic partnership and military diplomacy between the two countries. It reaffirms their shared commitment to regional peace, security and stability, while promoting mutual understanding of tactics, techniques and procedures and contributing to the development of interoperable military capabilities.
English (US) ·