India UAE military exercise Desert Cyclone‑II 2025 strengthens bilateral defence ties, focuses on urban warfare and interoperability, enhancing joint training and strategic cooperation.
Exercise Desert Cyclone-II: India–UAE Joint Military Exercise Begins
Introduction: Second Edition of ‘Desert Cyclone’
The second edition of Exercise Desert Cyclone-II, a bilateral joint military exercise between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has commenced in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The exercise is scheduled from 18 to 30 December 2025 and marks another milestone in growing defence cooperation between the two nations.
Participants and Contingents
The Indian Army has deployed a 45-member contingent, mainly comprising troops from the Mechanised Infantry Regiment. The UAE side is represented by an almost equal strength of personnel from the 53 Mechanised Infantry Battalion of the UAE Land Forces
Focus and Objectives of the Exercise
The main objective of Exercise Desert Cyclone-II is to enhance interoperability, professional cooperation, and tactical coordination between Indian and UAE forces. It aims to strengthen joint training in urban and built-up area operations, with particular focus on sub-conventional operations under a United Nations mandate.
Troops from both sides will undertake exercises including fighting in built-up areas (FIBUA), heliborne operations, detailed mission planning, and integration of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and counter-UAS techniques
Strengthening Strategic and Defence Ties
The conduct of Desert Cyclone-II reflects the deepening defence and strategic partnership between India and the UAE. It follows a series of high-level military engagements and visits by senior commanders from both countries, demonstrating shared commitments to regional peace, security, and stability.
The exercise also fosters military diplomacy, promotes mutual understanding of tactics and procedures, and boosts professional relationships between the two forces, enhancing their ability to operate collaboratively in multinational operations.
Significance for International Cooperation
In a world where geopolitical dynamics are evolving rapidly, such joint exercises are crucial. They help countries respond effectively to threats like terrorism, insurgencies, and peacekeeping challenges. Exercises like Desert Cyclone-II also prepare armed forces for complex real-world operations where multinational coordination is essential.
🧠 Why This News is Important for Government Exam Aspirants
Relevance to Defence and International Relations
For students preparing for SSC, UPSC (IAS), State PCS, Banking, Railways, Defence, and other competitive exams, this news highlights a significant military cooperation between India and the UAE — showcasing how India is strengthening its strategic ties in the Gulf region.
Diplomacy and Strategic Affairs
This exercise underscores India’s diplomatic outreach through military partnerships, reinforcing its role in fostering regional security. Such developments are often asked in sections on International Relations and Security Issues in exams like UPSC GS Paper-2 and Defence-related questions in CDS/Defence services exams
Operational Preparedness and Security Strategy
Understanding the focus on urban warfare training, UN-mandated operations, and interoperability equips aspirants with insights into India’s defence strategy and operational preparedness — topics that are part of core current affairs syllabi across competitive exams.
Overall, this news is important because it connects current geopolitical developments with India’s defence diplomacy and strategic partnerships, crucial for both prelims and mains examinations.
📜 Historical Context: India–UAE Defence Cooperation
Evolution of Bilateral Defence Ties
India and the United Arab Emirates have progressively strengthened defence ties through joint exercises, training exchanges, and military diplomacy over the last decade. The relationship has matured into a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, where defence cooperation is a key pillar.
First Edition of Desert Cyclone
The first edition of Exercise Desert Cyclone was held in January 2024 at the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan, India. This inaugural exercise laid the foundation for enhanced mutual cooperation and was aimed at improving sub-conventional and urban warfare skills.
Strategic Context
India’s military cooperation with Middle East nations like the UAE represents its broader foreign policy approach of multi-alignment, where strategic partnerships are forged with key regional powers. It dovetails with India’s interests in maritime security, trade, and regional stability.
United Nations and Peacekeeping Focus
The exercises are often designed to prepare forces to operate under United Nations mandates, which is vital for peacekeeping missions and multinational military operations — a common theme in global security frameworks.
📊 Key Takeaways from “Exercise Desert Cyclone-II Begins”
| S. No. | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | The second edition of Exercise Desert Cyclone-II started in Abu Dhabi, UAE from 18–30 December 2025. |
| 2 | An Indian contingent of 45 personnel from the Mechanised Infantry Regiment participates alongside the UAE Land Forces team. |
| 3 | The exercise focuses on urban warfare, sub-conventional operations, and interoperability under a UN mandate. |
| 4 | Activities include built-up area combat, heliborne missions, mission planning, and UAS integration. |
| 5 | The exercise strengthens bilateral defence ties and reflects deepening India–UAE strategic cooperation. |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
How is this exercise relevant for competitive exams?
It is important for UPSC, SSC, CDS, State PCS, Banking, Railways, and Defence exams as it highlights India’s defence diplomacy, international relations, and military preparedness.
What is Exercise Desert Cyclone‑II?
Exercise Desert Cyclone‑II is the second edition of a bilateral joint military exercise between India and the UAE aimed at enhancing interoperability, urban warfare skills, and sub-conventional operations.
When and where is Exercise Desert Cyclone‑II being held?
It is being conducted from 18–30 December 2025 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Which Indian troops are participating in the exercise?
India has deployed a 45-member contingent from the Mechanised Infantry Regiment.
What is the main focus of the exercise?
The exercise focuses on urban and built-up area operations, UN-mandated sub-conventional operations, heliborne missions, and integration of unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
Why is Exercise Desert Cyclone‑II important for India?
It strengthens defence and strategic ties with UAE, enhances military diplomacy, and prepares forces for multinational operations and regional security challenges.
Which UAE units are participating in the exercise?
The 53 Mechanised Infantry Battalion of the UAE Land Forces is participating alongside Indian troops.
How does this exercise enhance international cooperation?
It fosters interoperability between militaries, builds professional relationships, and prepares forces for joint missions under UN mandates or coalition operations.
Is this the first edition of Desert Cyclone?
No, the first edition was held in January 2024 in Rajasthan, India.
What types of operations are covered in the exercise?
Operations include Fighting in Built-Up Areas (FIBUA), detailed mission planning, heliborne operations, and counter-UAS techniques.
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