Egypt, India Hold First Ever Joint Military Drills

For the first time ever, the special forces of the Indian Army had a joint exercise with the Egyptian Armed Forces under the theme of "Exercise Cyclone-1," the Indian Ministry of Defence announced on Friday.

The training is in progress at Jaisalmer in Rajasthan since 14 January 2023. 

It targets bolstering defense cooperation between the two nations and focuses on sharing professional skills and interoperability of Special Forces. 

In addition, the training includes undertaking counter-terrorism, reconnaissance, raids, and other special operations.

The statement of the Indian authorities added that these drills are the first of their kind, and they took place to bring two forces into one platform.

Lasted for 14 days, the training carried out in the deserts of Rajasthan engages both the contingents to advance special forces skills such as Sniping, Combat Free Fall, Reconnaissance, Surveillance & Target Designation, sharing of information on weapons, equipment, innovations, tactics, techniques & procedures.

They would undertake joint planning and drills for Special Forces operations in a mechanized warfare setting as well as surgical strikes on terrorist camps /hideouts to include sniping of High-Value Targets.

The joint exercise reflected an insight into the culture and ethos of both armies. It also would strengthen military cooperation and interoperability to deepen diplomatic relations between India and Egypt.