New Delhi: The bilateral tri-service humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) amphibious exercise between India and the US, Tiger Triumph 2024, was held on March 30. The exercise aimed at sharing best practices and Standard Operating Procedures in joint HADR operations, a PIB press release stated.
The Harbour Phase of the exercise was conducted from Visakhapatnam on March 18 to 25, which included pre-sail discussions, subject matter expert exchanges, sports engagements, and ship boarding drills. The Sea phase of the exercise was carried out from March 26 to 30, during which the Indian Navy and the US Navy conducted maritime exercises at sea and land troops at Kakinda to set up a joint command and control centre, as well as a joint relief and medical camp for HADR operations.
The exercise also witnessed cross-deck helicopter operations involving three helicopters. The Indian Navy deployed a Landing Platform Dock, Landing Ship Tanks (Large), helicopters, Guided Missile Frigate, and Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft. The Indian Army, on the other hand, provided one Infantry Battalion Group with mechanised forces and the Indian Air Force stationed one medium lift aircraft, transport helicopter, and the Rapid Action Medical Team (RAMT).
The US Task Force comprised a US Navy Landing Platform Dock, helicopters, a Destroyer, maritime reconnaissance, and medium lift aircraft, as well as US Marines.
This exercise will strengthen the strategic partnership between the two nations and also improve the humanitarian response time in disaster-affected areas. The joint naval exercise will also enhance the skills of the Indian Navy and the US Navy in joint operations.
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