India–UAE Joint Military Exercise Desert Cyclone II Begins in Abu Dhabi

India and the United Arab Emirates have launched the second edition of their joint military exercise, Desert Cyclone II, further strengthening bilateral defence and strategic cooperation. The exercise is being conducted in Abu Dhabi from December 18 to 30, with a focus on enhancing joint operational capabilities in complex urban warfare environments.

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India–UAE Joint Military Exercise Desert Cyclone II Begins in Abu Dhabi

Indian and UAE Army Contingents

According to the Ministry of Defence, both countries have deployed balanced contingents.

• Indian Army:
  • 45 personnel
  • Primarily from the Mechanised Infantry Regiment
• UAE Land Forces:
  • Similar strength
  • Drawn from the 53 Mechanised Infantry Battalion

The equal participation highlights the emphasis on mutual learning, joint planning, and professional exchange between the two armies.

Focus on Urban Warfare and Interoperability

The core objective of Desert Cyclone II is to enhance interoperability through joint training in urban and built-up areas.

Key focus areas include:

• Sub-conventional operations under a United Nations mandate
• Peacekeeping and counter-terrorism operations
• Stability and security missions in urban environments

Such training prepares both forces for modern conflict scenarios, where urban combat and hybrid threats are increasingly prominent.

Training Activities and Tactical Scope

Over the two-week duration, troops from both nations will engage in a wide spectrum of tactical drills, including:

• Fighting in built-up areas
• Heliborne operations
• Detailed joint mission planning
• Integration of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)
• Counter-UAS techniques, reflecting the growing role of drones and counter-drone measures

These activities are designed to improve coordination, situational awareness, and joint decision-making in real-world scenarios.

Exam-Oriented Key Facts

• Exercise: Desert Cyclone II
• Edition: Second
• Countries: India and UAE
• Location: Abu Dhabi
• Dates: December 18–30
• Indian Unit: Mechanised Infantry Regiment
• Focus: Urban warfare & UN-mandated sub-conventional operations

Question & Answer

Q1. Desert Cyclone II is a joint military exercise between which two countries?
(a) India and Saudi Arabia
(b) India and UAE
(c) India and Qatar
(d) India and Oman
Answer: India and UAE

Q2. Where is Desert Cyclone II being conducted?
(a) Dubai
(b) Riyadh
(c) Abu Dhabi
(d) Muscat
Answer: Abu Dhabi

Q3. Indian Army personnel participating in Desert Cyclone II are mainly drawn from which regiment?
(a) Parachute Regiment
(b) Infantry Regiment
(c) Mechanised Infantry Regiment
(d) Armoured Corps
Answer: Mechanised Infantry Regiment

Q4. The exercise primarily focuses on which type of warfare?
(a) Mountain warfare
(b) Naval warfare
(c) Urban warfare
(d) Jungle warfare
Answer: Urban warfare

Q5. Desert Cyclone II includes training for operations under which mandate?
(a) NATO mandate
(b) SAARC mandate
(c) UN mandate
(d) ASEAN mandate
Answer: UN mandate

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