The Tiger Triumph – 24 exercise is a testament to the deepening military collaboration between India and the United States. This comprehensive bilateral tri-Service Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Exercise is set to take place on the Eastern Seaboard from March 18 to March 31, 2024. The exercise underscores the commitment of both nations to strengthen their strategic partnership and enhance their combined operational capabilities.
[History of India-US military cooperation]
Indian Participation:
Indian Navy: A fleet of Indian Navy Ships equipped with integral helicopters and landing crafts will be at the forefront of the exercise. These ships are designed to provide a platform for a wide range of operations, from maritime security to disaster relief.
Indian Air Force: Aircraft and helicopters from the Indian Air Force will showcase their agility and coordination in various aerial operations, emphasizing the air component’s crucial role in HADR scenarios.
Indian Army: Ground personnel and vehicles from the Indian Army will demonstrate their readiness to respond to humanitarian crises, highlighting the army’s ability to mobilize resources swiftly.
Rapid Action Medical Team (RAMT): The inclusion of RAMT underlines the importance of medical support during disaster relief operations, ensuring immediate medical care is available.
U.S. Representation:
U.S. Navy: The U.S. Navy’s participation, with its ships and embarked troops from the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Army, reflects the interoperability and collective strength of U.S. maritime and ground forces.
Exercise Objectives:
The primary aim of Tiger Triumph – 24 is to foster interoperability for conducting HADR operations effectively. The exercise will also serve to refine Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), enabling rapid and seamless coordination between the forces of both countries in times of crisis.
Harbour Phase (March 18 – March 25):
This initial phase will see personnel from both navies engage in a series of Training Visits, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges, Sports Events, and Social interactions. These activities are designed to build camaraderie and mutual understanding among the participants.
Sea Phase (Post-Harbour Phase):
Following the Harbour Phase, the exercise transitions to the Sea Phase. Here, the ships, with troops embarked, will navigate a series of Maritime, Amphibious, and HADR operations. These operations will be conducted in response to simulated scenarios, testing the readiness and adaptability of the combined forces.
[How does this benefit both countries?]
The Tiger Triumph – 24 exercise is a continuation of the robust defense cooperation between India and the U.S., which has seen significant growth over the years. The exercise not only prepares the forces for humanitarian crises but also solidifies the strategic ties between the two democracies⁶⁷. It is a clear indication of their shared commitment to maintaining regional stability and responding collectively to global challenges.
[Previous Tiger Triumph exercises]