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India-UAE Joint Military Exercise Desert Cyclone-II Advances with Urban Combat Drills

The Indian Army and UAE Land Forces are deep into their joint training exercise, Desert Cyclone-II. They're really focusing on the gritty details of urban combat, like clearing buildings and handling casualties. This drill is all about getting their tactics in sync for situations like peacekeeping or counter-terrorism. It's a solid step in strengthening the defense partnership between the two countries.

Key Points: India, UAE Troops Conduct Urban Warfare Drills in Exercise Desert Cyclone-II

  • Indian Army and UAE Land Forces conduct intensive joint urban warfare training in Al-Hamra
  • Exercise focuses on standardising tactics for building clearance and room intervention
  • Training aims to enhance interoperability for sub-conventional urban operations
  • Drill involves 45 Indian personnel from Mechanised Infantry Regiment and UAE's 53 Mechanised Infantry Battalion
  • Exercise part of broader defence cooperation under UN mandate scenarios
  • Culmination will feature integrated offensive and defensive urban operations
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Exercise Desert Cyclone-II progresses with intensive joint urban operations training at Al-Hamra

Indian Army and UAE Land Forces undertake intensive joint urban operations training in Al-Hamra as part of Exercise Desert Cyclone-II, focusing on building clearance and interoperability.

"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. - Indian Army Statement"

Al Hamra, December 22

Exercise Desert Cyclone-II 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, the statement by the Indian Army said.

The statement noted that 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.

It further highlighted how exercise DESERT CYCLONE-II, the second edition of the India-UAE Joint Military Exercise, is being conducted in the UAE from December 18 to 30, 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.

India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) established diplomatic relations in 1972. While the UAE opened its Embassy in India in 1972, the Indian Embassy in UAE was opened in 1973. The traditionally strong bilateral relations enjoyed by India-UAE gained a new momentum when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited in 2015, the first PM of India in 34 years which marked the beginning of a new Comprehensive and Strategic partnership between the two countries.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I appreciate the strategic importance, I hope such exercises also include strong modules on minimizing civilian casualties in urban warfare. That's a critical part of peacekeeping under a UN mandate. The training should reflect our values of protecting innocent lives.
A
Aditya G
Excellent progress. The Mechanised Infantry Regiment is getting invaluable experience in a different terrain. Interoperability with a key partner like the UAE is a force multiplier. This is how we build a secure neighbourhood.
S
Sarah B
As someone who follows international relations, the deepening India-UAE defence cooperation is a significant geopolitical development. From the 2015 visit to now joint urban ops training, the partnership has grown strategically. A win-win for both nations.
K
Karthik V
Building clearance and IED awareness are some of the toughest skills. Salute to our troops training in the desert heat. This partnership goes beyond diplomacy – it's about saving lives during actual operations. Proud of our jawans!
N
Nisha Z
Good step. Hope the "common operating procedures" they develop also consider humanitarian aspects. Our army has a great reputation in UN peacekeeping; sharing that experience is as important as learning new assault techniques.

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