India, Egypt special forces begin joint exercise

Jaipur

Indian and Egyptian special forces have launched the joint military exercise ‘Cyclone III’ at the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan. The exercise, which began on Tuesday, will continue until February 23.

This annual event alternates between the two nations, with the previous edition held in Egypt in January 2024. Both contingents, comprising 25 personnel each, include elite troops from India’s Special Forces Battalions and Egypt’s Special Forces Group and Task Force.

The primary objective of ‘Cyclone III’ is to strengthen military cooperation by improving interoperability, joint planning, and tactical coordination. The training will emphasize physical endurance, advanced special forces skills, and counterterrorism strategies in desert and semi-desert conditions. The exercise will conclude with a 48-hour validation drill to rehearse real-time tactical responses.

Additionally, the Egyptian contingent will get an overview of India’s defense manufacturing capabilities, showcasing indigenous military equipment. Officials noted that this collaboration fosters camaraderie between the two forces while enhancing their preparedness for evolving security challenges.

By exchanging best practices in modern warfare, both nations reaffirm their commitment to global peace and security, ensuring enhanced operational readiness for future joint counterterrorism missions.