The second edition of the India–UAE Joint Military Exercise Desert Cyclone–II concluded in Abu Dhabi with a closing ceremony at Al-Hamra Training City, marking the successful completion of intensive joint training between the Indian Army and the UAE Land Forces.
The exercise reaffirmed the deepening defence partnership and the shared commitment of both nations to regional peace, security and stability.
About Exercise DESERT CYCLONE–II
- Type: Bilateral, Army-level exercise
- Participants: Indian Army & UAE Land Forces
- Venue: Al-Hamra Training City, Abu Dhabi (modern urban combat training facility)
- Context: India and the UAE elevated ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2017), with defence cooperation as a core pillar.
Key Highlights
- Focused on interoperability and operational synergy in urban warfare scenarios.
- Emphasis on sub-conventional operations under a United Nations mandate, reflecting modern peacekeeping realities.
- Training combined classroom instruction with field-based drills to build mutual trust and standardise procedures.
Participating Contingents
- Indian Contingent:
- 45 personnel, primarily from a battalion of the Mechanised Infantry Regiment.
- UAE Contingent:
- 53 Mechanised Infantry Battalion.
- Parity in force composition ensured realistic joint training and effective exchange of operational practices.
Core Training Objectives
- Enhance interoperability in:
- Urban warfare
- Sub-conventional operations
- Prepare for missions under a UN mandate, including peacekeeping and stability operations.
- Strengthen mutual understanding of tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) in dense, built-up environments.
Key Training Modules & Practical Drills
- Urban combat fundamentals
- Room intervention and building clearance
- Marking and clearing of structures
- IED awareness and counter-IED drills
- Casualty evacuation and battlefield first aid
- Heliborne operations and air assault missions
- Platoon-level joint assault exercises
- Comprehensive mission planning
Culmination
- Integrated offensive and defensive urban operations, demonstrating coordinated action and combined operational readiness.
Strategic & Operational Significance
- Strengthened professional bonds and institutional trust between the two armies.
- Built interoperable capabilities relevant for future multinational operations.
- Addressed the growing importance of urban warfare, as conflicts increasingly occur in densely populated areas.
s. - Reinforced India–UAE cooperation in peacekeeping, counter-terrorism and stability missions.
India–UAE Defence Cooperation
Key Military Exercises
- Exercise Desert Cyclone (Army – Bilateral):
- First held in January 2024; focuses on joint urban warfare for sub-conventional operations under a UN mandate.
- Exercise Gulf Waves (Navy – Bilateral):
- Earlier known as Exercise Zayed Talwar.
- Exercise Milan (Navy – Multilateral):
- UAE participated as an Observer in Milan 2024 (hosted by India).
- Exercise Desert Flag (Air Force – Multilateral):
- Indian Air Force regularly participates; hosted by the UAE.
- Exercise Tarang Shakti (Air Force – Multilateral):
- UAE participated in the inaugural edition (2024) hosted by India.