3rd India, Egypt military exercise Cyclone 2025 starts in Rajasthan

The 3rd edition of the India, Egypt military ‘Exercise  Cyclone’ 2025 commenced at the Mahajan Field Firing Range, Rajasthan on the 10th of February 2025. The annual Cyclone Exercise is held alternately in India and Egypt.

The first edition of the Exercise Cyclone was held in India from 14-27 January 2023.

The second edition of the exercise was held in Egypt from 22nd January to 1st February 2024.  

The third edition is being held in Rajasthan from 10-23 February 2025.

Participants of the 3rd Exercise  Cyclone

The special forces of the Indian Army and the Egyptian Army participate in the annual Exercise Cyclone.

In the 3rd edition of the exercise, the Indian Army is represented by the elite Parachute Regiment (Special Force). At the same time, the Egyptian contingent includes the elite Egyptian special forces from the Rangers and paratroopers’ units

Aim of the Exercise

• The exercise focuses on enhancing the skill of both the armed forces in operating side by side in conducting special operations against the terrorist and hostile forces in desert and semi-desert terrains. 
• It provides an opportunity for both the armed forces to exchange expertise and learn about the latest combat tactics used by the other sides.
• To strengthen the bonds of military cooperation between the friendly countries of India and Egypt.

About India-Egypt Military Ties and Military Exercise

India and Egypt have traditionally enjoyed close political and defence ties.

India and Egypt in the 1960s collaborated to jointly develop a fighter aircraft for both forces.

The Indian Air Force used to train the Egyptian Air Force pilots until 1984 as both the forces mainly used Russian weapon systems.

Egypt and India also undertake joint military exercises to strengthen their defence ties. They have also participated in multinational military exercises.

Exercise Desert Warrior 

• It is a joint Tactical Air Excercise Desert Warrior exercise held between the Indian Air Force and the Egyptian Air Force.
• The first exercise was held in Egypt from 29-31 October 2021.

Multinational Exercise 

AFINDEX

• Egypt participated in the Africa-India Field Training Exercise (AFINDEX) organised by India.
• The first edition and second editions of the AFINDEX were held in Pune in 2019 and 2023 respectively.

TLP (Tactical Leadership Programme)

• The Indian Air Force participated in the 1st  and 2nd editions of the Tactical Leadership Program of the Egyptian Air Force Weapons School.
• The first edition was held in July 2022 and the second edition was held in 2024 in Egypt.
• Apart from the Indian Air Force, the Jordanian and the Greek Air Forces also participated in the Tactical Leadership Program of the Egyptian Air Force Weapons School.