The Indian Army contingent for Exercise Desert Cyclone-II arrived in Abu Dhabi ahead of the joint military exercise with UAE Land Forces scheduled from December 18 to 30. The nearly two-week exercise will focus on enhancing interoperability and operational synergy in urban operations and built-up areas. The Indian contingent comprises 45 personnel, primarily from a battalion of the Mechanised Infantry Regiment. The UAE Land Forces contingent, of similar strength, will be represented by the 53 Mechanised Infantry Battalion.
The aim of the exercise is to enhance interoperability and foster defence cooperation between the Indian Army and the UAE Land Forces through joint training in an urban environment, with a focus on sub-conventional operations under a United Nations mandate. This will enable both forces to operate together in peacekeeping, counter-terrorism and stability operations.
Troops from both countries will jointly train on a wide spectrum of tactical drills including fighting in built-up areas, heliborne operations and detailed mission planning. The integration of unmanned aircraft systems and counter-unmanned aircraft systems techniques will also be carried out for conduct of operations in built-up areas. The conduct of Desert Cyclone-II underscores the deepening strategic partnership and military diplomacy between India and the UAE, reaffirming the shared commitment of both nations to regional peace, security and stability.
