India–UAE joint military exercise Desert Cyclone-II at Abu Dhabi from 18 December
The second edition of the India–UAE Joint Military Exercise Desert Cyclone-II was scheduled at Abu Dhabi, UAE from 18 to 30 December 2025, with a 45-member Indian Army contingent.
Summary
The second edition of the India–UAE Joint Military Exercise Desert Cyclone-II was scheduled to be held at Abu Dhabi, UAE from 18 to 30 December 2025. For Desert Cyclone-II, the Indian Army sent 45 personnel, mainly from a battalion of The Mechanised Infantry Regiment, while the UAE Land Forces were represented by the 53 Mechanised Infantry Battalion. The exercise focuses on sub-conventional operations in an urban environment under a United Nations mandate, including fighting in built-up areas, heliborne operations and the use of drones and counter-drone techniques.
Key facts
- Dates and venue
- 18–30 December 2025, Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Edition
- Second
- Indian contingent
- 45 personnel, mainly The Mechanised Infantry Regiment
- UAE contingent
- 53 Mechanised Infantry Battalion
- Focus
- Sub-conventional operations in urban terrain under a UN mandate
Practice MCQs 2 questions
Where was the second edition of the India–UAE Joint Military Exercise Desert Cyclone held from 18 to 30 December 2025?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Abu Dhabi, UAE
PIB 2205132: Desert Cyclone-II was scheduled at Abu Dhabi, UAE from 18 to 30 December 2025.
Consider the following statements about Exercise Desert Cyclone-II: 1. The Indian contingent comprises 45 personnel, mainly from The Mechanised Infantry Regiment. 2. The UAE is represented by the 53 Mechanised Infantry Battalion. 3. The exercise focuses on conventional desert warfare outside any UN mandate. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 and 2 only
PIB 2205132: 45 Indian personnel mainly from The Mechanised Infantry Regiment, and the UAE's 53 Mechanised Infantry Battalion. The focus is sub-conventional operations in urban terrain under a UN mandate, so statement 3 is wrong.