A BATTALION group of the Indian Army, comprising more than 700 personnel, is taking part in the ongoing bilateral tri-service exercise - ‘Tiger Triumph-24’ - between India and the US, being held on the Eastern Seaboard. The exercise from March 18-31 aims at developing interoperability for conducting Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations and refining SOPs to enable rapid and smooth co-ordination between the forces of the two countries. The Indian Army’s contingent, comprising one battalion group is taking part in the second edition of the tri-service exercise, along with the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force, sources in the defence establishment said. The 14-day exercise is being conducted in two phases with a harbour phase at Visakhapatnam followed by a sea phase at Kakinada.

 

The primary focus of the exercise is to enhance interoperability, strengthen bilateral relations, and refine capabilities in HADR and sub-conventional operations. “The exercise has witnessed the amphibious capabilities of the Indian Army in conventional and sub-conventional scenarios. The Indian Army is represented by an integrated battalion group in the exercise, with strength of over 700 Army personnel, showcasing newly procured or inducted weapons and state-of-the-art technological infusions,” a defence source said. The Indian Army contingent is represented by components from infantry, mechanised infantry, Para (Special Forces), artillery, engineers and other supporting arms apart from assorted systems of multiple drones, anti-drone equipment, and ICVs (infantry combat vehicles), the sources said.

 

The harbour phase included communication checks to ensure seamless co-ordination between the participating forces.

“Personnel from both countries exchanged visits to each other’s ships, fostering mutual understanding and collaboration. These interactions not only strengthened interpersonal bonds but also facilitated the exchange of best practices and operational techniques,” the source added. The sea phase which commenced on Tuesday, involves a “strategic move to a simulated island country,” setting the stage for a series of complex operations. The first major operation will be a ship-to-shore move, demonstrating the precision and co-ordination required for amphibious operations, they said. This includes troops to swiftly disembark and establish a secure perimeter, showcasing their professionalism and readiness for challenging environments, the sources in the defence establishment said.