India–UAE Joint Army Exercise Desert Cyclone II Ends in Abu Dhabi on December 30

The second edition of the India–UAE Joint Military Exercise Desert Cyclone II concluded on December 30, 2025, at Al-Hamra Training City in Abu Dhabi, marking the successful culmination of nearly two weeks of intensive bilateral military training between the Indian Army and the UAE Land Forces.

Conducted from December 18 to 30, 2025, the exercise reaffirmed the deepening defence partnership between India and the United Arab Emirates and underscored their shared commitment to regional peace, security and stability.

Participating Forces in Desert Cyclone II

The exercise witnessed the participation of 45 personnel from each side.

• Indian Contingent:

  • Drawn primarily from a battalion of The Mechanised Infantry Regiment of the Indian Army

• UAE Contingent:

  • Represented by the 53 Mechanised Infantry Battalion of the UAE Land Forces

The balanced force composition enabled close coordination and effective joint training across multiple combat domains.

Aim of India–UAE Joint Military Exercise Desert Cyclone II

The primary objective of Desert Cyclone II was to enhance interoperability and defence cooperation between the Indian Army and the UAE Land Forces through joint training in an urban operational environment.

A special emphasis was placed on sub-conventional operations under a United Nations mandate, enabling both forces to operate together effectively in:

• Peacekeeping missions

• Counter-terrorism operations

• Stability and security operations

Urban Warfare Training and Tactical Drills Conducted

The exercise featured a structured training programme combining classroom instruction with field-based practical drills.

Key areas of training included:

• Urban combat fundamentals

• Fighting in built-up areas

• Marking, searching and clearing of buildings

• Room intervention and building clearance techniques

• Improvised Explosive Device (IED) awareness

• Casualty evacuation and battlefield first aid

• Detailed joint mission planning

Troops from both countries exchanged best practices in room intervention and clearance drills, which were subsequently rehearsed jointly to standardise tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs).

Heliborne Operations, Air Assaults and UAS Integration

A major highlight of Desert Cyclone II was the conduct of advanced operational drills, including:

• Heliborne operations

• Air assault missions

• Platoon-level joint assault exercises

In addition, the exercise incorporated the integration of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and counter-UAS techniques for operations in urban environments, reflecting the evolving nature of modern warfare.

The training culminated in integrated offensive and defensive urban operations, showcasing high levels of coordination, mutual trust and combined operational readiness between the two armies.

Strategic Significance of Desert Cyclone II for India–UAE Defence Ties

The successful conduct of Desert Cyclone II comes against the backdrop of intensifying military-to-military engagement between India and the UAE.

The exercise built on the momentum generated by:

• The visit of the Commander, UAE Land Forces on October 27–28, 2025

• The visit of the Commander, UAE Presidential Guard from December 15–19, 2025

These engagements reflect the growing strategic convergence and military diplomacy between the two countries.

India–UAE Bilateral Military Exercises: Army, Navy and Air Force

India and the UAE currently conduct three bilateral military exercises, covering all three services:

• Desert Cyclone – Army exercise

• Zayed Talwar – Naval exercise

• Desert Eagle – Air Force exercise