India-US Bilateral HADR Exercise “Tiger Triumph-25” Set to Enhance Joint Disaster Relief Operations.
New Delhi:
The fourth edition of Exercise Tiger Triumph, a crucial bilateral Tri-Service Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise between India and the United States, will take place on the Eastern Seaboard from April 1 to April 13, 2025. This joint exercise aims to bolster interoperability between the two nations’ armed forces, facilitating smoother and more effective coordination during HADR operations, particularly in crisis and contingency situations.
The exercise will be led by a robust participation of both Indian and US military forces, which will engage in training and operational activities designed to establish and refine Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). These protocols will enable the establishment of a Combined Coordination Center (CCC) to ensure swift and efficient coordination between Indian and US Joint Task Forces (JTF).
Indian and US Participation:
The Indian contingent for Tiger Triumph-25 will feature a diverse array of forces, including Indian Naval Ships Jalashwa, Gharial, Mumbai, and Shakti, along with their integral helicopters and landing crafts. Also contributing will be the Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft P8I, Army Troops from the 91 Infantry Brigade and 12 Mechanized Infantry Battalion, Indian Air Force C-130 Aircraft, MI-17 helicopters, and a Rapid Action Medical Team (RAMT).
The US side will be represented by US Navy Ships Comstock and Ralph Johnson, accompanied by troops from the US Marine Division.
Harbour Phase (01-07 April 2025):
The Harbour Phase of the exercise will take place at Visakhapatnam from April 1 to April 7, 2025. This phase will feature a joint Flag Parade and Media Interaction on board the Indian Navy Ship Jalashwa on April 1. Throughout the Harbour Phase, participants will engage in training visits, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEs), sports events, and social interactions to foster mutual understanding and camaraderie between the forces.
Sea Phase (08-13 April 2025):
Following the Harbour Phase, the exercise will transition to a Sea Phase, where the participating ships and troops will conduct maritime, amphibious, and HADR operations off the coast of Kakinada. A key component of the Sea Phase will involve the establishment of a joint command and control center by Indian Army and US Marines at the Kakinada Naval Enclave, enabling seamless coordination during operations.
Additionally, the IAF’s RAMT and the US Navy’s medical team will establish a joint medical camp, providing medical aid to local populations and showcasing the collaborative capabilities of both nations in disaster relief operations.
Conclusion of Exercise:
Exercise Tiger Triumph-25 will culminate on April 13, 2025, with a closing ceremony held on board the US Navy Ship Comstock at Visakhapatnam. The exercise is expected to further strengthen the Indo-US military ties and enhance both nations’ readiness to respond to humanitarian crises through combined efforts in HADR operations.
This joint exercise underscores the growing partnership between India and the United States in the realm of defense cooperation, particularly in disaster management and humanitarian aid, as both nations continue to work together to address regional and global challenges.
