France conducts high-intensity armored drills in UAE
French forces deployed to the United Arab Emirates completed three days of high-intensity military training in desert conditions, operating Leclerc tanks, CAESAR artillery systems, and VBCI infantry fighting vehicles as part of a broader joint exercise with Emirati partners, according to material released by the French military.
The training included maneuver drills, live-fire sequences, and tactical scenarios designed to test the readiness of units stationed permanently in the UAE. The effort comes as France continues to maintain a forward presence in the Gulf region under existing bilateral defense agreements.
The operational control evaluation of the 5th Cuirassier Regiment took place within the Franco-Emirati joint exercise Gulf 25, currently underway in Abu Dhabi.
“As part of the Franco-Emirati joint exercise Gulf 25 currently taking place in Abu Dhabi, the 5th Cuirassier Regiment has just successfully completed its operational control,” the military said.
The operational scenario was designed to mirror the conditions under which the regiment would operate alongside Emirati forces in line with France’s defense commitments. The command post of the Royal Poland combined arms tactical group demonstrated its ability to plan and conduct complex operations in what the French military described as an “exacting” environment.
According to the exercise summary, the evaluation included multiple components: the integration of an alerted French infantry sub-group from the 7th Alpine Chasseurs Battalion, Franco-Emirati interoperability including the integration of an Emirati Leclerc tank squadron, tactical command of airborne commandos and mountain commandos, and the employment of air-delivery capabilities. The military said this combination of elements tested the full range of operational skills required for rapid coordination between French and Emirati forces.
“This success fully demonstrates the robustness and credibility of the 5th Cuirassier Regiment as a pre-positioned tactical group in a sub-region where stability and security remain concerns and a major issue,” French report stated.
The statement also praised the armored crews taking part in the exercise, noting the performance of the Leclerc tank elements. The material concluded with: “Bravo to the Leclerc guys who, through their excellence, make the 2nd Armored Brigade shine in the Arab-Persian zone!”
The participation of Emirati armored forces, particularly the Leclerc squadron, contributes to shared tactical understanding between the two militaries. The exercise also supports ongoing defense cooperation under existing agreements that cover training, readiness, and crisis response planning. The French military emphasized that the evaluation strengthened operational cohesion between the forces and reinforced France’s ability to respond to regional security developments.
