Diplomat Correspondent
New Delhi: Exercise DESERT CYCLONE–II, the second edition of the India–UAE Joint Military Exercise, is being conducted in the UAE from 18 to 30 December 2025.
The Indian contingent comprises 45 personnel, primarily from a battalion of the Mechanised Infantry Regiment, while the UAE Land Forces contingent is represented by the 53 Mechanised Infantry Battalion.
The exercise aims to enhance interoperability and further defence cooperation through joint training in an urban environment, with emphasis on sub-conventional operations under a United Nations mandate, including peacekeeping, counter-terrorism and stability operations.
The Exercise is progressing with intensive joint training at Al-Hamra, with troops from the Indian Army and the UAE Land Forces undertaking a rigorous mix of classroom instruction and field-based modules.
The ongoing training focuses on core urban combat fundamentals, including the marking and clearing of buildings, IED awareness, casualty evacuation, first aid and structured mission planning, aimed at enhancing interoperability and developing common operating procedures in built-up areas.
As the exercise advances, troops are executing progressive practical drills in urban terrain, covering room intervention, building clearance and platoon-level joint assault exercises.
Joint drills on room intervention and clearance have been exchanged between both armies and subsequently rehearsed to standardise tactics, techniques and procedures.
The training will culminate in integrated offensive and defensive urban operations, reinforcing coordinated action, mutual trust and operational readiness for sub-conventional contingencies in an urban environment.DD