A 25-member Indian Army contingent has landed in Egypt to participate in the second edition of the India-Egypt Joint Special Forces Exercise CYCLONE. This collaborative exercise is scheduled to be conducted in Anshas, Egypt, from January 22nd to February 1st, 2024. Notably, the inaugural edition of the exercise took place in India last year.
The Indian contingent is composed of troops from The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), while their Egyptian counterparts are represented by the Egyptian Commando Squadron and Egyptian Airborne Platoon.
The primary objective of Exercise CYCLONE is to familiarize both sides with each other’s operational procedures, with a particular focus on Special Operations in desert and semi-desert terrains, as outlined in Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter. This exercise has been meticulously designed to enhance bilateral military cooperation and foster a deeper bond between the two armies through discussions and the rehearsal of tactical military drills.
Exercise CYCLONE will unfold in three distinct phases. The initial phase will feature Military Exhibitions and Tactical Interactions. Subsequently, the second phase will concentrate on training related to Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), counter-IED tactics, and Combat First Aid. The final phase will encompass a Joint Tactical Exercise centered on Fighting in Built-up Areas and Hostage Rescue Scenarios.
The Ministry of Defence in a statement said, “The Exercise will provide an opportunity to both the contingents to strengthen their bond and share best practices. It will also act as a platform to achieve shared security objectives and foster bilateral relations between two friendly nations.”
