New Delhi: The fortnight long India-UAE Joint Military Exercise ‘Desert Cyclone’ commenced on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 in Mahajan, Rajasthan. It’s the first edition of the exercise and will conclude on January 15, 2024.

The UAE contingent is being represented by troops from the Zayed First Brigade comprises of 45 personnel. The Indian Army contingent comprising 45 personnel is being represented mainly by a Battalion from the Mechanised Infantry Regiment.

According to an official Ministry of Defence statement the aim of the exercise is to enhance interoperability in Sub-conventional Operations including Fighting in Built-Up Area (FIBUA) in desert/ semi desert terrain under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter on Peacekeeping Operations. And this drill will enhance cooperation and interoperability between both the sides during Peace Keeping Operations.

Drills planned to be rehearsed during Exercise ‘Desert Cyclone’ include establishment of a Joint Surveillance Centre, Cordon and Search Operation, Domination of Built-Up Area and Heliborne Operations. The exercise will also foster collaborative partnership and help in sharing best practices between the two sides.

Exercise ‘Desert Cyclone’ signifies further strengthening of bonds of friendship and trust between India and the UAE. The exercise aims to achieve shared security objectives and foster bilateral relations between two friendly nations.