The Bilateral Tri-Service Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Amphibious Exercise between India and the United States, Tiger Triumph 2024, concluded its latest edition onboard USS Somerset on March 30.
The exercise demonstrated the robust strategic partnership between the two nations and facilitated sharing of best practices and standard operating procedures for undertaking multinational HADR operations.
The harbour phase was conducted in Visakhapatnam from March 18-25 and included pre-sail discussions, subject matter expert exchanges, sports engagements, ship boarding drills, and cross-deck visits. Personnel from both navies celebrated the Holi festival together on March 25 as part of a cultural exchange program showcasing India’s vibrant traditions.
The sea phase, held from March 26-30, involved maritime exercises at sea followed by troop landings at Kakinada for setting up a joint command and control centre and a joint relief and medical camp for HADR operations. Cross-deck helicopter operations using UH-3H, CH-53, and MH-60R helicopters were undertaken between Indian Navy and US Navy ships off Kakinada and Visakhapatnam.
Indian Navy units participating included a landing platform dock, landing ship tanks with integral landing crafts and helicopters, a guided missile frigate, and long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft. The Indian Army contributed an infantry battalion group with mechanized forces, while the Indian Air Force deployed a medium-lift aircraft, transport helicopters, and a rapid action medical team.
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, US Marines, and special operations forces from all three services.
“Tiger Triumph 2024 exemplifies the determination of both nations to work together to address shared priorities across the Indo-Pacific maritime domain,” said a Ministry of Defence spokesperson. “Such exercises strengthen interoperability and enhance preparedness for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.”
