Desert Cyclone–II Ends With India–UAE Armies Deepen Interoperability In High-Intensity Urban Warfare Drills
The second edition of the India-UAE Joint Military Exercise reaffirmed the deepening defence partnership between India and the UAE. Image courtesy: South Western Command
Held from December 18 to 30, 2025, the second edition of Exercise Desert Cyclone-II has finally concluded, marked by a closing ceremony at Al-Hamra Training City. With this, India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have successfully culminated the intensive joint training held for nearly a fortnight.
India and the UAE took another step forward in strengthening their growing defence partnership with the successful conclusion of Exercise Desert Cyclone–II on Tuesday. The joint military drill is aimed at enhancing operational interoperability and mutual trust between the two armies.
The second edition of the joint India-UAE army exercise underlined the expanding strategic convergence between New Delhi and Abu Dhabi in the defence and security domain.
Desert Cyclone–II: Why is it important for India–UAE defence ties?
Exercise Desert Cyclone–II reaffirmed the shared commitment of India and the UAE to regional peace, security and stability. By focusing on joint operations under a United Nations mandate, the drill reflected the two countries’ intent to collaborate more closely in multinational and expeditionary missions.
The exercise also highlighted the evolution of India–UAE military relations from symbolic engagement to practical, operational-level cooperation. The primary aim of Desert Cyclone exercise is to enhance interoperability and foster defence cooperation between the Indian Army and the UAE Land Forces.
Indian Army and UAE Land Forces’ joint training focused on sub-conventional operations under a United Nations mandate, enabling both forces to operate together effectively in peacekeeping, counter-terrorism and stability operations.
What were the key objectives of Desert Cyclone-II?
Apart from boosting interoperability, operational synergy and mutual understanding, particularly in complex urban combat scenarios, Desert Cyclone-II involved a carefully structured mix of classroom instruction and field training enabling troops from both sides to align tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs).
What kind of training did the troops undertake?
The exercise focused on sub-conventional operations in an urban environment, with training modules that included urban combat fundamentals; marking, clearing and securing buildings; room intervention and clearance drills; IED awareness and counter-measures; casualty evacuation and battlefield first aid; detailed mission planning and execution.
In addition to the same, progressive practical drills were conducted in built-up areas, gradually increasing in complexity to test coordination and adaptability.
How Desert Cyclone-II demonstrated advanced military capabilities?
As the exercise progressed, troops carried out heliborne operations, air assault missions and platoon-level joint assaults, showcasing combined operational readiness. Both armies exchanged their standard operating procedures for room intervention and clearance, rehearsed them jointly, and worked towards standardisation.
The training ended in integrated offensive and defensive urban operations, demonstrating coordinated planning and execution in high-intensity combat scenarios.
Which units represented India and the UAE?
The Indian contingent, comprising 45 personnel, was primarily drawn from a battalion of The Mechanised Infantry Regiment, reflecting India’s focus on mechanised and mobile combat capabilities.
The UAE Land Forces were represented by the 53 Mechanised Infantry Battalion, enabling a like-for-like exchange of operational experiences between comparable combat units.
Future of India–UAE military cooperation
Exercise Desert Cyclone–II further cemented professional bonds between the two armies and contributed to developing interoperable capabilities for future bilateral and multinational operations. The drill reinforces the broader trajectory of India–UAE defence cooperation, which now spans joint exercises, training exchanges, defence industry collaboration and coordination on regional security challenges.
