India, UAE Launch Maiden Military Exercise ‘Desert Cyclone’
The Indian and UAE armies have commenced their first-ever joint military training exercise called ‘Desert Cyclone’ in Rajasthan on January 2. The drills aim to enhance counter-insurgency capabilities in desert terrain.
Scale and Scope
Over 45 troops each from India’s Mechanised Infantry and the UAE’s Zayed First Brigade are participating in the 14-day mega exercise hosted at Mahajan field firing ranges.
The war games, ending January 15, encompass sub-conventional operations including urban combat in desert and semi-desert settings under a UN peacekeeping mandate.
Focus Activities
Key drills involve:
- Establishing joint command centers
- Conducting cordon and search raids
- Executing helicopter missions
- Dominating built-up areas
Such collaborative exercises help validate doctrines and tactics between armies besides signalizing growing bilateral defence ties.
Key Takeaways
The first-of-its-kind Desert Cyclone exercise marks deepening India-UAE strategic cooperation in recent years, as the countries ramp up military diplomacy.
Training shoulder-to-shoulder fosters interoperability and prepares contingents to undertake coordinated peace enforcement.
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Month: Current Affairs - January, 2024
Category: Defence Current Affairs