The third edition of the joint special forces exercise of India and Egypt, Cyclone, which seeks to promote military-to-military ties between the two countries through enhancement of interoperability, jointness and mutual exchange of special operations tactics, began at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan.
The exercise, which will continue till February 23, will focus on a high degree of physical fitness, joint planning and joint tactical drills. Advanced special forces skills and various other tactics, techniques and procedures as per the current operational paradigm will be rehearsed during the event.
Cyclone, which will also include a display of indigenous military equipment and an overview of the defence manufacturing industry for the Egyptian side, will culminate in a 48-hour validation exercise to rehearse and validate the tactical drills for counter-terrorism operations in desert and semi-desert terrain.
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The Indian contingent, comprising 25 personnel, will be represented by troops from two Special Forces Battalions while the Egyptian delegation will comprise 25 personnel from the Special Forces Group and Task Force of Egyptian Special Forces.
"Exercise Cyclone will enable the two sides to share their best practices in tactics, techniques and procedures of conducting tactical operations. The exercise will also facilitate developing bonhomie and camaraderie between soldiers of both the sides," the defence ministry said in a release.