India-US Hold Bilateral Tri-Service HADR Exercise Tiger Triumph-24
The bilateral tri-service humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) amphibious exercise, Tiger Triumph, between India and the US, commenced aboard INS Jalashwa on 19 March 2024. Underscoring the robust strategic partnership between both nations, the exercise aimed to facilitate the sharing of best practices and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in multinational HADR operations.
The Harbour Phase of the exercise got underway at Visakhapatnam from 18-25 March 2024. It encompassed pre-sail discussions, subject matter expert exchanges on professional subjects, and discussions on planning and execution procedures for various tasks. Additionally, sports engagements to foster camaraderie among the armed forces personnel from both countries were also included. On March 25, personnel from both navies celebrated the festival of Holi together, as part of the cultural exchange programme showcasing the vibrant and vivid culture of India.
The Sea Phase of the exercise was held from 26-31 March 2024 and included units of both countries undertaking maritime exercises at sea followed by landing of troops at Kakinada for setting up of a joint Command and Control Centre and a Joint Relief and Medical Camp for HADR operations. Cross Deck helicopter operations involving UH3H, CH53 and MH60R helicopters were also undertaken between ships of the Indian Navy and the US Navy off Kakinada and Visakhapatnam. Concurrently, a planning and coordination exercise to refine standard operating procedures (SOPs) for seamless coordination between the forces of India and the US was also held.
The Indian Navy’s participation included a Landing Platform Dock, Landing Ship Tanks (Large) with integral Landing Crafts and helicopters, a guided missile Frigate, and Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft. The Indian Army was represented by an infantry battalion group, including mechanised forces, while the Indian Air Force deployed medium lift aircraft, transport helicopters, and a Rapid Action Medical Team (RAMT). Additionally, Special Operations Forces from all three services also participated in the exercise.
The US Task Force comprised a US Navy Landing Platform Dock with integral Landing Craft Air Cushions and helicopters, a Destroyer, maritime reconnaissance and medium lift aircraft, along with US Marines.
The closing ceremony was held onboard USS Somerset on March 30. Tiger Triumph-24 exemplifies the commitment of both India and the US to enhancing interoperability and cooperation in disaster response and humanitarian assistance, reinforcing the strong bond between the armed forces of both nations.