Building on recent high-level engagements, including the visits of the Commander, UAE Land Forces and the Commander, UAE Presidential Guard, India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are further set to expand their rmilitary ties with joint drills – Desert Cyclone – II, scheduled from December 18 to 30, 2025.
India and the UAE are further deepening their strategic and military partnership as an Indian Army contingent heads to Abu Dhabi for the second edition of the joint military exercise. The exercise marks another major milestone in the rapidly expanding defence cooperation between the two countries, reflecting growing trust, interoperability.
The first edition of Desert Cyclone was held from January 1-15, 2024.
Desert Cyclone-II:Which units are participating in the joint drill?
According to the Ministry of Defence, the Indian contingent comprises 45 personnel, primarily drawn from a battalion of the Mechanised Infantry Regiment. The UAE Land Forces are being represented by a similar-strength contingent from the 53 Mechanised Infantry Battalion, ensuring balanced and realistic joint training.
Earlier this year in July, both the countries had reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral defence cooperation during the 13th India-UAE Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) meeting. India and the UAE decided to elevate defence ties to match the growing momentum in areas such as trade, investment, and social relations.
What are the key objectives of Desert Cyclone-II?
The primary aim of the exercise is to enhance interoperability and foster defence cooperation between the Indian Army and the UAE Land Forces. The joint training focuses on sub-conventional operations under a United Nations mandate, enabling both forces to operate together effectively in peacekeeping, counter-terrorism and stability operations.
“Troops will practice fighting in built-up areas, heliborne operations, mission planning and integration of UAS and Counter-UAS capabilities,” the Indian Army said in a statement.
What kind of combat training will troops undertake?
Over nearly two weeks, soldiers from both countries will train together across a wide spectrum of high-intensity tactical drills. These include fighting in built-up areas, heliborne operations, coordinated mission planning, and the integration of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and counter-UAS techniques during urban operations.
Desert Cyclone-II joint drills’ emphasis on modern battlefield technologies further throws light on the evolving nature of joint military preparedness.
Meanwhile, Exercise Desert Cyclone-II builds on the momentum created by recent senior-level exchanges between the two militaries. During his visit, UAE Land Forces Commander Maj Gen Hallami held extensive discussions with Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, focusing on expanding cooperation, training exchanges and strategic alignment.
How does Desert Cyclone fit into past India–UAE military drills?
Desert Cyclone is part of a broader pattern of growing joint training between India and the UAE. In recent years, the two countries have conducted army-to-army exercises, naval drills in the Arabian Sea, and air force interactions involving advanced fighter aircraft. These engagements have steadily improved joint operational readiness across land, sea and air domains.
Just a few days back, the air forces of India and the UAE along with France conducted high-intensity trilateral air combat exercise over the Arabian Sea. Designed to deepen defence cooperation and sharpen joint warfighting skills, the drills marked one of the most significant air combat engagements in the region this year.
Desert Cyclone-II: What does this say about India–UAE strategic ties?
The conduct of Desert Cyclone-II underscores the deepening strategic partnership and military diplomacy between New Delhi and Abu Dhabi. Both nations have repeatedly reaffirmed their commitment to regional peace, security and stability, particularly in the wider West Asia and Indian Ocean regions.
By strengthening professional bonds and promoting a shared understanding of tactics, techniques and procedures, Desert Cyclone-II will contribute to the development of interoperable capabilities between the two armies. These capabilities are critical for future multinational missions, UN peacekeeping operations and counter-terrorism responses.