French military units stationed in the United Arab Emirates concluded a three-day high-intensity training exercise, Gulf 25, operating Leclerc main battle tanks, CAESAR self-propelled artillery, and VBCI infantry fighting vehicles alongside Emirati forces, the French military reported.
The exercise included maneuver operations, live-fire drills, and command post scenarios designed to test interoperability and readiness under desert conditions. The 5th Cuirassier Regiment led the operational evaluation, integrating units from the 7th Alpine Chasseurs Battalion and coordinating with Emirati Leclerc tank squadrons. Air-delivery capabilities and airborne commandos were also involved.
“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,” the French report said, according to defense-blog.
اختتام التمرين العسكري المشترك “خليج 25”
— وزارة الدفاع |MOD UAE (@modgovae) November 24, 2025
اختُتمت اليوم فعاليات التمرين العسكري المشترك “خليج 25” الذي جمع بين القوات المسلحة لدولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة والجمهورية الفرنسية، وذلك بحضور معالي الفريق الركن عيسى سيف بن عبلان المزروعي، رئيس أركان القوات المسلحة، والفريق أول… pic.twitter.com/RhFfkiUNBu
Reinforcing bilateral defense cooperation
The UAE Ministry of Defense highlighted that the exercise showcased the professionalism and readiness of participating forces and strengthened Franco-Emirati operational coordination. Senior officials from both countries attended the closing ceremony, which emphasized strategic defense collaboration, joint training, and crisis response planning.
Gulf 25 is part of ongoing agreements between France and the UAE aimed at enhancing military cooperation, exchanging expertise, and improving the readiness of both nations’ armed forces.
