The 3rd edition of Joint Special Forces Exercise Cyclone commenced at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan on Monday, officials said on Tuesday.

The exercise is being conducted from February 10 to February 23.

Exercise Cyclone is an annual event conducted alternatively in India and Egypt.

Last edition of the same exercise was conducted in Egypt in January 2024.

The Indian contingent comprising 25 personnel will be represented by troops from two Special Forces Battalions.

Egypt contingent also comprising 25 personnel will be represented by Special Forces Group and Task Force of Egyptian Special Forces.

The aim of Exercise Cyclone is to promote military-to-military relationship between the two countries through enhancement of interoperability, jointness and mutual exchange of special operations tactics.

The exercise will focus on high degree of physical fitness, joint planning and joint tactical drills.

Drills/ aspects to be rehearsed during the exercise will include advanced special forces skills and various other tactics, techniques and procedures as per the   current operational paradigm.

The exercise will culminate in a 48-hour long validation exercise to rehearse and validate the tactical drills for counter terrorism operations in desert/ semi-desert terrain.

The exercise will also include a display of indigenous military equipment and an overview of the defence manufacturing industry for the Egyptian side.

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.