India, US kickstart ‘Tiger Triumph’ exercise

• The fifth edition of the India-US Bilateral Tri-Service Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Exercise — Tiger Triumph — commenced at Visakhapatnam on November 2.

• The exercise is being conducted as a tabletop exercise this year.

• Participating units from the Indian side include specialists from all domains of maritime operations from the Indian Navy, ground forces from the Indian Army and representatives from various units of the Indian Air Force, as well as Special Forces personnel from all three Services. 

• A team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) will also participate for the first time in the exercise.

• The US Joint Force comprises specialist representatives from various domains of the US Armed Forces, including the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps and Navy, as well as specialists in Space, Cyber, Medical and Explosive Ordnance Disposal.

• In addition to bilateral operational planning, participating personnel will conduct subject-matter expert exchanges, community outreach, and cultural events to build lasting professional relationships.

• Tiger Triumph exercise was first conducted in 2019. 

• The present edition aims to further enhance interoperability and facilitate the conduct of Combined Joint All-Domain Operations, with a focus on planning and coordination for large-scale HADR operations.

• The exercise reflects the deepening convergence of India-US strategic maritime interests and the growing defence partnership between the two nations. 

Other bilateral exercises with the US are: 

i) Cope India (Air Force)

ii) Yudh Abhyas (Army) 

iii) Sea Defenders (Coast Guard)

iv) Vajra Prahar (Special Forces).