India and the United Arab Emirates continue to strengthen their defence partnership with the conduct of Exercise Desert Cyclone II. The second edition of their joint military exercise. The Indian Army contingent has departed for Abu Dhabi, where the exercise will be held from 18 to 30 December 2025. Announced by the Ministry of Defense. This exercise reflects the growing strategic trust, operational synergy, and military diplomacy between the two countries.
About Exercise Desert Cyclone II
- Desert Cyclone II is being conducted at Abu Dhabi with participation from both armies.
- The Indian contingent consists of 45 personnel, mainly drawn from a Mechanised Infantry Regiment battalion of the Indian Army.
- The U.A.E. Land Forces are represented by a contingent of similar strength from the 53 Mechanised Infantry Battalion.
- The exercise is structured to ensure balanced participation, joint planning, and coordinated execution of military tasks.
Objectives of the Exercise
- The primary objective of Exercise Desert Cyclone II is to enhance interoperability between the Indian Army and the U.A.E. Land Forces.
- It aims to strengthen defense cooperation, mutual understanding of tactics, and joint operational capabilities.
- Another key objective is to prepare both forces for sub-conventional operations, particularly in urban environments, under a United Nations mandate.
- This is crucial for peacekeeping missions, counter-terrorism operations, and stability tasks in complex operational settings.
Key Training Focus Areas
- The exercise places strong emphasis on urban warfare and modern battlefield challenges.
- Joint training activities include operations in built-up areas, heliborne operations, and detailed joint mission planning.
- These activities are designed to enhance coordination, communication, and tactical efficiency.
- A notable feature of Desert Cyclone II is the integration of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and counter-UAS techniques.
- This reflects the increasing importance of drones and anti-drone measures in contemporary military operations, especially in urban combat scenarios.
Background of Exercise
- Exercise Desert Cyclone is a bilateral military exercise between the Indian Army and the U.A.E. Land Forces.
- The inaugural edition was conducted in 2024, marking the beginning of structured joint ground forces training between the two nations.
- The second edition builds on the lessons and cooperation established earlier, focusing on modern combat scenarios relevant to contemporary security challenges.
- India and the U.A.E. share strong defence ties as part of their broader strategic partnership in the West Asian region, driven by shared security concerns and regional stability.
Key Takeaways
- Exercise Desert Cyclone II is the second India–U.A.E. joint military exercise.
- It is being held in Abu Dhabi from 18–30 December 2025.
- The Indian contingent includes 45 personnel from a Mechanised Infantry Regiment.
- The exercise focuses on urban warfare and sub-conventional operations under a UN mandate.
- Integration of UAS and counter-UAS techniques is a key highlight.
- It reflects strengthening India–U.A.E. defense cooperation and military diplomacy.
Question
Q. Exercise Desert Cyclone II is a joint military exercise between India and which country?
(A) Oman
(B) United Arab Emirates
(C) Saudi Arabia
(D) Qatar