India, UAE Launch Desert Cyclone II Military Exercise to Boost Defence Cooperation

Overview: India and the United Arab Emirates are conducting the second edition of the Desert Cyclone II joint military exercise in Abu Dhabi. The drill focuses on urban warfare, counter-terrorism, and sub-conventional operations. It aims to enhance interoperability and strategic defence cooperation between both nations.

Riyaz

Dec-18-2025

India, UAE Launch Desert Cyclone II Military Exercise to Boost Defence Cooperation

The second edition of the joint military exercise, India and the United Arab Emirates have unveiled the Desert Cyclone II exercise in Abu Dhabi, which is designed to enhance defence co-operation and strategic alliance between these two countries. The contingent of an Indian Army consisting mostly of a mechanised infantry battalion, consisting of about 45 people, has come to the UAE to be part of the exercise, which is scheduled to be held between December 18 and 30 in an urban training environment. The drill aims at enhancing interoperability, tactical coordination, and joint operational capabilities in sub-conventional situations, developing mutual understanding, and preparedness for peacekeeping and stability operations.

Highlights of Desert Cyclone II Military Exercise

Desert Cyclone II, a bilateral defence cooperation and joint training exercise between India and the UAE, is in Abu Dhabi, between December 18 and 30.
A 45-strong contingent of the Indian Army of mechanised infantry is attending with a UAE Land Forces unit.
The drill will prepare interoperability and tactical coordination between the two forces in cities and sub-conventional settings.
Training will involve fighting in built-in locations, heliborne operations, mission planning, and UAS/counter-UAS exercises.
The exercise highlights the enhanced military relationship and collaboration between India and the UAE.

All Important Questions About Military Exercise with India (PYQs)

Question Asked	Answer	Exam Name	Year
“Exercise Vajra Prahar” is conducted between India and which country?	USA	RRB NTPC	2023
“Exercise Shakti” is a joint military exercise between India and which country?	France	SSC CHSL	2022
“Exercise Malabar” involves India and which countries?	USA, Japan, Australia	UPSC Prelims	2021
Which Indian Army contingent participates in “Yudh Abhyas”?	Indian Army troops with the USA	SSC GD	2020
“Indra” exercise is conducted with which country?	Russia	RRB Group D	2019
“Hand-in-Hand” exercise is conducted with which country?	China	SSC CPO	2018
“Exercise Garuda” is conducted between India and which country?	France	SSC MTS	2021
“Exercise Nomadic Elephant” is conducted with which country?	Mongolia	SSC CHSL	2024
“Exercise Tiger Triumph” is conducted with which country?	USA	SSC GD	2023
India and the UAE conduct which joint exercise to enhance desert warfare capabilities?	Desert Cyclone	RRB NTPC	2025
“Exercise Sampriti” is conducted with which country?	Bangladesh	UPSC Prelims	2020
“Exercise Yudh Abhyas” is conducted annually with which country?	USA	SSC CGL	2022
Which exercise focuses on counter-terrorism and urban warfare with Singapore?	Exercise Bold Kurukshetra	SSC CHSL	2021
India conducts “Exercise Mitra Shakti” with which country?	Sri Lanka	RRB Group D	2022

Conclusion (Desert Cyclone II Military Exercise)

India-UAE defence relationships were strengthened through the Desert Cyclone II Military Exercise that boosted interoperability, tactical interdependence, and urban warfare. The joint exercise was a demonstration of the interest of both countries in the regional security, military diplomacy and strategic partnership, as well as experience to the troops and maximization of the readiness to resist peacekeeping and operational tasks.