The Indian Army has sent a 45-member contingent to the United Arab Emirates for 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, the Defence Ministry said on Wednesday.
The contingent, drawn primarily from a battalion of the Mechanised Infantry Regiment, will train alongside a unit of similar strength from the UAE Land Forces’ 53 Mechanised Infantry Battalion. The exercise is aimed at enhancing interoperability and strengthening defence cooperation between the two armies through joint training in an urban environment, with a focus on sub-conventional operations under a United Nations mandate, according to the ministry.
Over the nearly two-week exercise, troops from both countries will train in a range of tactical drills, including fighting in built-up areas, heliborne operations and detailed mission planning. The programme will also include the integration of unmanned aerial systems and counter-UAS techniques for operations in urban settings, the defence ministry said.
The exercise follows recent high-level military exchanges, including the visit of the Commander of the UAE Land Forces in October and the visit of the Commander of the UAE Presidential Guard earlier this month. Officials said DESERT CYCLONE-II reflects the deepening strategic partnership between India and the UAE and is expected to further strengthen military-to-military ties, while contributing to regional peace, security and stability.
