Visakhapatnam: The fifth edition of the India-US Tri-Service Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Exercise Tiger Triumph 2026 concluded with a closing ceremony at Visakhapatnam on 5 November 2026.
Conducted from 31 October to 5 November, the exercise brought together personnel from the armed forces of both countries for a Staff Exercise (STAFFEX) and a Tabletop Exercise (TTX). The activities focused on improving interoperability and building a shared understanding of planning and conducting combined HADR operations, with particular emphasis on joint amphibious operations.
Staff Exercise Focuses on Operational Planning
The STAFFEX involved operational planning, academic lectures and Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs). Discussions covered contemporary operational areas, including cyberspace and medical operations, allowing participants to share professional expertise and best practices.
Tabletop Exercise Tests Joint Coordination
The TTX allowed participating forces to apply the concepts and plans developed during the STAFFEX in a simulated operational environment. It helped build a common understanding of operational challenges and coordination mechanisms required for combined HADR missions.
Senior Naval Officers Attend Closing Ceremony
The closing ceremony was attended by Rear Admiral Vishal Bishnoi, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet, and Rear Admiral Joaquin J. Martinez de Pinillos, Vice Commander, US Pacific Fleet, along with senior officers and dignitaries from both countries.
First conducted in 2019, Exercise Tiger Triumph is aimed at strengthening operational coordination and defence cooperation between India and the United States. The 2026 edition furthered both countries' efforts to improve joint HADR capabilities and contribute to peace, stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region.
