Exercise “Desert Cyclone II”
Why in news?
Exercise “Desert Cyclone II” is the second edition of the India–UAE joint military drill, held in Abu Dhabi from 18–30 December 2025, involving mechanised infantry units from both nations.
Key facts
- Host Country: United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi)
- Dates: 18–30 December 2025
- Participants:
- India: 45 personnel from a battalion of the Mechanised Infantry Regiment
- UAE: 53 Mechanised Infantry Battalion, UAE Land Forces
- Edition: Second (the first was held in 2024)
- Focus: Sub-conventional operations in urban environments under UN mandate
Objectives
- Interoperability: Train Indian and UAE forces to operate seamlessly together.
- Urban Warfare Skills: Practice Fighting in Built-Up Areas (FIBUA), crucial for modern conflict zones.
- Peacekeeping & Stability Ops: Prepare for missions aligned with UN peacekeeping frameworks.
- Counter-Terrorism: Joint drills to tackle asymmetric threats in urban settings.
- Military Diplomacy: Strengthen strategic ties and defence cooperation between India and UAE.
Strategic Implications
- Regional Security: Reinforces India’s growing defence partnerships in the Gulf region, complementing broader diplomatic and economic ties.
- Defence Diplomacy: Builds trust and operational synergy with UAE, a key energy and trade partner.
- Future Outlook: Likely to expand into trilateral or multilateral exercises, involving other Gulf or UN peacekeeping contributors.
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