India and US Launch Bilateral Tri-Service Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Exercise, Tiger Triumph

Visakhapatnam: The commencement of the Opening Ceremony for the Bilateral Tri-Service Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Amphibious Exercise, Tiger Triumph, held onboard INS Jalashwa. The exercise, a joint endeavor between India and the US, underscores the robust strategic partnership between the two nations and aims to exchange best practices and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in multinational HADR operations.

The Harbour Phase of the exercise, taking place in Visakhapatnam from March 18 to 25, 2024, encompasses pre-sail discussions, Subject Matter Expert Exchange sessions, and strategic deliberations on planning and execution procedures for various tasks. Additionally, sports engagements have been scheduled to foster camaraderie among the armed forces personnel from both nations. Following the Harbour Phase, the Sea Phase will occur from March 26 to 31, 2024, during which joint Command and Control Centers and Relief and Medical Camps will be established by units from both countries.

Concurrently, a Planning and Coordination Exercise will refine SOPs to facilitate rapid and seamless coordination between the Indian and US forces participating in the exercise.

The Indian Navy’s participation comprises 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 will deploy one infantry battalion group alongside mechanized forces, while the Indian Air Force will contribute medium lift aircraft, transport helicopters, and a Rapid Action Medical Team (RAMT). Furthermore, Special Ops Forces from all three services will actively participate in the exercise.

The US Task Force will include a US Navy Landing Platform Dock with integral Landing Craft Air Cushions and helicopters, a Destroyer, maritime reconnaissance and medium lift aircraft, as well as US Marines.