India and the United Arab Emirates have launched the second edition of their joint military exercise, Desert Cyclone II. This exercise marks another milestone in strengthening bilateral defence and strategic cooperation. The exercise is being conducted in Abu Dhabi from 18 to 30 December. It aims to enhance joint operational capabilities. The focus of Desert Cyclone II is particularly on complex urban warfare environments.
Indian and UAE Army Contingents
The Ministry of Defence states that the Indian Army contingent consists of 45 personnel. These members are primarily drawn from a battalion of the Mechanised Infantry Regiment. The UAE Land Forces are represented by an equally strong contingent from the 53 Mechanised Infantry Battalion.
The balanced force composition highlights the principle of equal participation. It emphasizes shared learning and mutual trust. These principles form the foundation of the exercise.
Focus on Urban Warfare and Interoperability
The core objective of Desert Cyclone II is to enhance interoperability between the two armies. This is achieved through joint training in urban and semi-urban operational settings. The exercise focuses on sub-conventional operations under a United Nations mandate, preparing troops for peacekeeping, counter-terrorism and stability missions.
By operating together in simulated built-up areas, both forces aim to improve coordination. They enhance communication and joint decision-making in modern conflict scenarios.
Training Activities and Tactical Scope
Over the nearly two-week engagement, troops will undertake a wide spectrum of tactical drills, including:
- Fighting in built-up areas
- Heliborne insertion and extraction operations
- Detailed joint mission planning and execution
- Integration of unmanned aerial systems (UAS)
- Counter-UAS techniques to address drone-based threats
These modules reflect evolving battlefield realities, where urban combat, drones and hybrid threats play an increasingly decisive role.
Exam-Oriented Facts
- 🛡️ Exercise Name: Desert Cyclone II
- 🛡️ Participating Countries: India and United Arab Emirates
- 🛡️ Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
- 🛡️ Duration: 18–30 December
- 🛡️ Indian Contingent: Mechanised Infantry Regiment (45 personnel)
- 🛡️ Focus Areas: Urban warfare, UN-mandated operations, interoperability, counter-terrorism
Share this Article with your friends :
Discover more from Srishti IAS
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
