The Desert Cyclone – 2024

Blog Credit: Trupti Thakur

Image Courtesy: Google

The Desert Cyclone – 2024

The two-week-long joint military exercise ‘Desert Cyclone’ between India and UAE is underway in the arid landscape of Rajasthan. The first edition of the India-UAE military exercise aims to enhance interoperability through exchanging knowledge and sharing best practices in military operations.

Joint military exercises with friendly countries result in constructive engagements in operational terms and enhance the skills of armed forces in diverse areas of war-fighting by operating with armed forces of various nations. In this process, current tactical and technological practices, techniques, and strategies are exchanged, contributing to the continuous improvement and modernization of military operations.

Earlier this year, two ships of the Indian Navy, INS Visakhapatnam, and INS Trikand under the command of Rear Admiral Vineet McCarty, Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet (FOCWF) participated in bilateral exercise ‘Zayed Talwar’ with the UAE to enhance interoperability and synergy between the two navies.

The collaborative military exercise ‘Desert Cyclone 2024‘ is set to mark a significant milestone in the partnership between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Scheduled to take place in Rajasthan from January 2 to January 15, this joint manoeuvre aims to enhance interoperability through the exchange of knowledge and best practices, particularly in urban operations.

The Indian Army’s Announcement

Announcing the exercise on its official handle on X, the Indian Army expressed enthusiasm about the inaugural edition of Joint Military Exercise Desert Cyclone. The event, spanning two weeks, is designed to facilitate learning and sharing best practices in urban operations. The exercise seeks to strengthen the ties between the Indian and UAE armed forces.

Historical Bonds and Collaborative Foundations

The robust friendship between India and the UAE is deeply rooted in enduring cultural, religious, and economic interactions that span millennia. The Ministry of External Affairs highlights potential areas of bilateral cooperation, with a focus on the production and development of defence equipment, joint armed forces exercises, information sharing on strategy and doctrines, and technical cooperation in various defence domains, including Intermediate Jet Trainer development.

Recent Advancements in Defence Collaboration

In recent times, the collaboration in defence between India and the UAE has witnessed significant enhancement. The cooperation extends to various aspects, including defence training, the supply of defence inventory, and the implementation of regular exchange programs. One notable milestone in this collaboration was the inaugural India-UAE Joint Air Forces exercise held in September 2008 at the Al-Dhafra base in Abu Dhabi.

India’s Participation in International Defence Exhibition

India’s active participation in the biennial International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) held in Abu Dhabi further underscores the commitment of both nations to fostering strong defence ties. This platform provides an opportunity for India to showcase its technological advancements in the defence sector and explore avenues for collaboration with the UAE and other global partners.

Future Prospects and Continued Collaboration

As ‘Desert Cyclone 2024’ unfolds in the deserts of Rajasthan, it is expected to pave the way for deeper collaboration between India and the UAE in the realm of defence. The joint exercise serves as a testament to the commitment of both nations to strengthen their military partnership, enhance interoperability, and contribute to regional and global security.

India and UAE – ‘Desert Cyclone 2024’ joint military exercise in Rajasthan from 2nd January to 15^th January, 2024 aims to :

• The exercise aims to enhance interoperability by learning & sharing best practices in Urban Operations.
• It is also expected to not only strengthen the defense ties between India and the UAE but also contribute to the broader goal of fostering regional peace and security.
• India has also been a regular participant at the biennialInternational Defence Exhibition (IDEX) in Abu Dhabi.

5 things to know about the Desert Cyclone exercise:

1. Representing the UAE are the Zayed First Brigade troops, while the Indian Army contingent, consisting of 45 personnel, is predominantly from a Battalion of the Mechanised Infantry Regiment.
2. The primary aim of ‘Desert Cyclone’ is to enhance interoperability in Sub-conventional Operations, specifically focusing on Fighting in Built-Up Area (FIBUA) in desert and semi-desert terrain.
3. The joint military exercise is strategically designed to boost cooperation and interoperability between the participating forces during peace keeping operations, fostering a stronger alliance between India and the UAE.
4. ‘Desert Cyclone’ will see the rehearsal of crucial drills, including the establishment of a joint surveillance centre, cordon and search operation, domination of the built-up area, and heliborne operations. These exercises aim to hone the skills required for effective peacekeeping in challenging terrains.
5. A key outcome of the joint military exercise is the fostering of a collaborative partnership between the armed forces of India and the UAE. This collaboration is essential for achieving shared security objectives and strengthening bilateral relations.

 

 

Blog By : Trupti Thakur