India-U.S. tri-service exercise Tiger Triumph begins at Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam

India-U.S. tri-service exercise Tiger Triumph begins at Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam

The fourth edition of the bilateral joint humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) amphibious exercise between India and the U.S. - Tiger Triumph 2025 - was formally launched onboard the INS Jalashwa (L41) at the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) base here on Tuesday (April 1).

It consists of two phases. The harbour phase will continue here till April 7, while sea phase will be held from April 8 to 12.

The habour phases involves a planning process for the execution of various training events at sea, as well as further refinement of procedures established in previous iterations of Tiger Triumph.

During the sea phase, the bilateral forces will work together to train for maritime, amphibious and HADR operations through a Joint Combined Command and Control Center. This phase will conclude with establishment of a joint combined humanitarian relief and medical response camp following an amphibious landing at Kakinada.

Indian Navy’s participating units included INS Jalashwa with integral landing crafts and helicopters, missile destroyer INS Mumbai (D62), amphibious assault ship INS Gharial (L23), Deepak-class fleet tanker INS Shakti (A57) and P8I Long-Range Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft, MH60R Helicopters and Hawk Aircraft. The Indian Army’s Infantry Battalion group, and special operations forces from all the three services. Cyber and space specialists will also join. The Indian Air force will demonstrate the capability with the deployment of C130 aircraft, MI-17 V5 helicopter and will also showcase the air portable Bhisma medical equipment.

The U.S.’s force would comprise USS Comstock (LSD 45), 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, 1st Light Armored Reconnaissance battalion, as well as the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114) and a Navy P8A Poseidon aircraft. The U.S. Space Force and Air Force will support the exercise with subject matter experts, and a C-130J aircraft. The U.S. Army will be represented by a platoon, medical platoon, Civil-Military Operations Center and Multi-Domain Task Force Combined Information Effects Fusion Cell.

“The exercise reflects the deepening convergence of U.S.-India strategic maritime interests and the countries’ defence partnership. The present edition is aimed at further enhancement of interoperability and combined joint all-domain operations during large-scale HADR operations” said a joint statement of the U.S. and India Defence wings.