India UAE military exercise Desert Cyclone II concludes in Abu Dhabi, enhancing urban warfare skills, defence cooperation, and strategic partnership for regional security in 2025.
India–UAE Desert Cyclone II Joint Military Exercise Concludes in Abu Dhabi
Introduction to the Exercise
India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) successfully concluded the second edition of their joint military exercise, Desert Cyclone II, on December 30, 2025, at the Al-Hamra Training City in Abu Dhabi. This 13-day intensive drill brought together troops from both nations to train collaboratively on modern urban warfare and sub-conventional operations.
The exercise, held from December 18 to 30, 2025, reaffirmed the growing defence partnership between India and the UAE. It showcased both countries’ commitment to enhancing regional security, building interoperability between their armed forces, and preparing for complex operational scenarios.
Participating Forces and Structure
The Indian contingent comprised 45 personnel, primarily drawn from a battalion of the Mechanised Infantry Regiment, while the UAE Land Forces were represented by the 53 Mechanised Infantry Battalion.
The structured training programme included a mix of classroom sessions and field exercises designed to enhance combat readiness in urban environments. These activities helped standardise tactics, techniques, and procedures between the two armies.
Training Focus Areas
One of the core objectives of Desert Cyclone II was to improve interoperability. The exercise placed significant emphasis on urban warfare fundamentals, counter-terrorism drills, and sub-conventional operations under a United Nations mandate.
Key components of the training included:
- Urban combat routines
- Marking and clearing buildings
- IED (Improvised Explosive Device) awareness
- Casualty evacuation and first aid
- Mission planning in complex environments
Advanced Drills and Operations
Desert Cyclone II went beyond basic tactical training by integrating helicopter-borne insertions and air assault operations. The joint drills also culminated in coordinated offensive and defensive urban operations, showcasing high levels of cooperation and combat readiness.
These advanced drills not only strengthened the tactical skills of participating troops but also enhanced mutual trust and operational synergy between the Indian Army and UAE Land Forces.
Strategic Importance of the Exercise
The successful completion of Desert Cyclone II highlights the strategic alignment between India and the UAE in addressing emerging security challenges. As partners in defence, both countries aim to build joint capabilities for peacekeeping and stability operations, especially in urban and densely populated contexts.
With geopolitical dynamics shifting in West Asia and beyond, regular joint exercises such as Desert Cyclone II reflect a shared dedication to regional peace, security, and stability.
Why This News Is Important for Exam Aspirants
Strengthening Defence Diplomacy
The conclusion of Desert Cyclone II is crucial for students preparing for government exams such as UPSC, SSC, Defence, and Police services because it reflects India’s active role in international defence diplomacy. Such joint exercises showcase how India engages with strategic partners to address emerging security challenges collaboratively.
This exercise also underscores India’s efforts to build interoperable military capabilities — a key aspect of modern warfare — particularly in urban and sub-conventional environments. These skills are vital for joint operations, peacekeeping missions, and global security contributions under United Nations mandates.
Historical Context: Background to India–UAE Military Cooperation
India and the UAE have been deepening their strategic and defence ties over the last decade. The first edition of Exercise Desert Cyclone was conducted earlier to foster cooperation and enhance the ability of both armies to operate together.
The UAE, as an important Gulf partner, shares mutual interests with India in maintaining regional peace, combating terrorism, and strengthening defence collaboration. Joint military exercises have become a key pillar of this partnership, facilitating knowledge exchange and tactical alignment between the two nations.
Historically, such exercises form a part of India’s broader defence diplomacy approach, aligning with its foreign policy objectives to enhance cooperation with West Asian countries amid evolving geopolitical shifts.
Key Takeaways from “India–UAE Desert Cyclone II Military Exercise”
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Exercise Desert Cyclone II?
Exercise Desert Cyclone II is a joint military exercise conducted between the Indian Army and UAE Land Forces, aimed at enhancing interoperability, urban warfare, and counter-terrorism operations.
2. When and where was Desert Cyclone II held?
The exercise was held from December 18 to 30, 2025, at Al-Hamra Training City, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
3. How many personnel participated from India and UAE?
The Indian contingent included 45 personnel from the Mechanised Infantry Regiment, while the UAE Land Forces were represented by the 53 Mechanised Infantry Battalion.
4. What were the main objectives of the exercise?
The main objectives were to enhance joint operational capabilities, improve urban warfare skills, counter-terrorism readiness, mission planning, and interoperability between the two armies.
5. What advanced operations were included in Desert Cyclone II?
The exercise incorporated helicopter-borne insertions, air assault operations, coordinated offensive and defensive urban operations, and casualty evacuation drills.
6. Why is Desert Cyclone II significant for India?
It highlights India’s defence diplomacy, strengthens strategic partnerships in West Asia, and demonstrates readiness to participate in UN peacekeeping and regional security operations.
7. How does Desert Cyclone II contribute to regional security?
It builds mutual trust, enhances interoperability between forces, and prepares troops for sub-conventional operations and urban conflicts, supporting stability in the Gulf region.
8. Has India conducted a similar exercise with UAE before?
Yes, the first edition of Exercise Desert Cyclone was conducted earlier to establish a framework for defence cooperation and knowledge exchange.
9. What kind of training was involved in Desert Cyclone II?
Training included classroom sessions, field exercises, urban combat drills, IED awareness, casualty management, and mission planning.
10. Which countries benefit strategically from Desert Cyclone II?
Both India and UAE benefit, as it enhances military cooperation, peacekeeping readiness, and regional stability, while demonstrating strengthened bilateral defence ties.
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