Which of the following statements about Exercise CYCLONE, conducted in February 2025 is/are correct?

1. It was held at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan.
2. The participating countries were India and Egypt.
3. The exercise focussed on artillery training of joint forces.

Correct option is B

The correct answer is: (B) Only 1 and 2

Explanation:

• Statement 1 – Correct: Exercise CYCLONE-III was conducted at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan in February 2025.
• Statement 2 – Correct: It was a bilateral joint special forces exercise between India and Egypt.
• Statement 3 – Incorrect: The focus of the exercise was on counter-terrorism, joint tactical drills, and special forces operations, not artillery training.

Information Booster:

• CYCLONE-III was the 3rd edition of this joint military exercise.
• Aimed at enhancing interoperability and coordination between special forces.
• Focused on high-threat environments in desert terrain.
• Part of growing defence cooperation between India and Egypt.
• Included joint mission planning, tactical drills, and execution.

Additional Information:

• Exercise Desert Cyclone-I was held in 2022, marking the beginning of this bilateral series.
• Egypt and India have strengthened defence ties through naval, air force, and army-level engagements.
• Mahajan Field Firing Range is one of India's largest and most important army training grounds.
• India also holds joint exercises like Yudh Abhyas (with the USA) and Garuda Shakti (with Indonesia).
• Egypt's strategic location at the crossroads of Africa and the Middle East makes it a key regional partner.