Desert Cyclone-II: India–UAE Army Exercise

AWhy in News ?

An Indian Army contingent has departed for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to participate in the second edition of the India–UAE Joint Military Exercise “DESERT CYCLONE-II”, scheduled to be held in Abu Dhabi from December 18 to 30.

Background and Context

India and the UAE share a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with defence cooperation emerging as a key pillar of bilateral relations. Over the past decade, both countries have steadily expanded military engagement through joint exercises, training exchanges, defence dialogues, and high-level visits.

With growing urbanisation, asymmetric threats, and peacekeeping commitments worldwide, modern militaries increasingly focus on sub-conventional operations, counter-terrorism, and urban warfare scenarios. Joint exercises like Desert Cyclone reflect this shift, aligning military cooperation with evolving security challenges, including UN peacekeeping mandates and stability operations.

The first edition of Exercise Desert Cyclone laid the foundation for structured Army-to-Army cooperation, and Desert Cyclone-II builds upon this momentum amid intensified India–UAE strategic engagement.

About Exercise Desert Cyclone-II

• Type: Bilateral Joint Military Exercise
• Participants:
  • India: 45-member contingent, primarily from the Mechanised Infantry Regiment
  • UAE: Unit of similar strength from the 53 Mechanised Infantry Battalion, UAE Land Forces
• Venue: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
• Duration: December 18–30
• Edition: Second

Objectives of the Exercise

• Enhance interoperability between the Indian Army and UAE Land Forces
• Strengthen defence cooperation and military-to-military ties
• Train for sub-conventional operations under a United Nations mandate
• Develop joint capabilities for urban combat and peace support operations

Key Training Components

1. Urban Warfare Operations

• Fighting in Built-Up Areas (FIBUA)
• Room intervention drills and close-quarter battle techniques
• Joint tactical planning for dense urban environments

2. Heliborne Operations

• Insertion and extraction of troops using helicopters
• Rapid deployment and mobility in urban conflict zones

3. Mission Planning & Command Integration

• Joint operational planning exercises
• Decision-making under simulated UN peacekeeping scenarios

4. Integration of Emerging Technologies

• Use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) for surveillance and reconnaissance
• Counter-UAS techniques to neutralise drone-based threats in urban settings

Strategic Significance

Deepening India–UAE Defence Ties

• The exercise follows high-level military exchanges, including:
  • Visit of the Commander of the UAE Land Forces (October)
  • Visit of the Commander of the UAE Presidential Guard (December)
• Reinforces trust and operational synergy between the two armed forces

Regional Security and Stability

• Enhances preparedness for peacekeeping and stability operations
• Contributes to security cooperation in the West Asian region

Defence Diplomacy

• Reflects India’s proactive defence engagement with key partners
• Aligns with India’s broader West Asia outreach and strategic balancing