A contingent of the Indian Army on Wednesday (December 17, 2025) left for the United Arab Emirates to participate in the 2nd edition of the India-UAE joint military exercise Desert Cyclone – II, scheduled to be held in Abu Dhabi from December 18 to 30, 2025. (ADGPI-Indian Army via Twitter) | Photo credit: Special arrangement
A contingent of the Indian Army flew to the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday (December 17, 2025) to participate in the second edition of the India-United Arab Emirates (UAE) joint military exercise Desert Cyclone II, scheduled to be held in Abu Dhabi from December 18 to 30, 2025.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the Indian contingent consists of 45 personnel, mostly drawn from a battalion of the Mechanized Infantry Regiment. The UAE ground forces will be represented by a contingent of similar strength from the 53rd Mechanized Infantry Battalion.
The aim of the exercise is to enhance interoperability and further enhance defense cooperation between the Indian Army and the UAE Ground Forces. The joint training will focus on sub-conventional operations in an urban environment under a United Nations mandate, enabling the two forces to operate together in peacekeeping, counter-terrorism and stabilization operations.
During the nearly two-week exercise, troops from both sides will train together in a wide range of tactical exercises, including combat in built-up areas, heliborne operations and detailed mission planning. The exercise will also witness the integration of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and anti-UAS techniques to conduct operations in urban environments.
Building on the momentum created by the successful visit of the Commander of the UAE Land Forces on 27-28 October 2025 and the Commander of the UAE Presidential Guard from 15-19 December 2025, the Desert Cyclone II exercise is expected to further enhance bilateral defense cooperation between India and the UAE.
The course 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.
Published – 17 Dec 2025 21:10 IST
