The second edition of the joint military exercise Desert Cyclone between the Indian Army and the UAE Land Forces concluded with a closing ceremony at Al-Hamra Training City in Abu Dhabi on December 30, marking the successful completion of nearly two weeks of intensive bilateral training. The exercise ran from December 18 to 30, 2025, and reaffirmed the deepening defence partnership between the two nations while underscoring their shared commitment to regional peace, security and stability.
The Indian contingent comprised 45 personnel, primarily drawn from a battalion of the Mechanised Infantry Regiment, while the UAE Land Forces contingent was represented by the 53 Mechanised Infantry Battalion. The exercise was designed to enhance interoperability and foster defence cooperation through joint training in an urban environment, with emphasis on sub-conventional operations under a United Nations mandate, enabling both forces to operate together effectively in peacekeeping, counter-terrorism and stability operations.
The structured training program featured a mix of classroom and field-based activities, covering urban combat fundamentals, marking and clearing of buildings, IED awareness, casualty evacuation, first aid and detailed mission planning. Troops executed progressive practical drills in built-up areas, including room intervention and building clearance techniques, which were exchanged between the two armies and subsequently rehearsed to standardize tactics, techniques and procedures.
The exercise also incorporated heliborne operations and air assault drills, culminating in integrated offensive and defensive urban operations that demonstrated coordinated action and combined operational readiness. These joint activities showcased high levels of interoperability, mutual trust and combat readiness between the participating forces. Desert Cyclone II further cemented professional bonds between the Indian Army and UAE Land Forces while contributing to the development of interoperable capabilities essential for future multinational operations.
