Exercise Desert Cyclone II

• 02 Jan 2026

On 30th December 2025, the second edition of the joint military exercise Desert Cyclone between the Indian Army and the UAE Land Forces concluded with a closing ceremony at Al-Hamra Training City, Abu Dhabi.

• The exercise was conducted from 18 to 30 December 2025, reaffirming the deepening defence partnership between India and the UAE and their shared commitment to regional peace, security and stability.
• The Indian contingent comprised 45 personnel, primarily from a battalion of the Mechanised Infantry Regiment, while the UAE was represented by the 53 Mechanised Infantry Battalion.
• The exercise aimed to enhance interoperability and defence cooperation through joint training in an urban environment, with a focus on sub-conventional operations under a United Nations mandate.