EXERCISE TIGER TRIUMPH 2026 CULMINATES WITH CLOSING CEREMONY

The fifth edition of the bilateral Tri-Service Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Exercise Tiger Triumph 2026 between India and the United States culminated with a closing ceremony at Visakhapatnam on 05 Nov 2026.

Conducted from 31 Oct to 05 Nov 2026, the exercise comprised a Staff Exercise (STAFFEX) and a Tabletop Exercise (TTX), with personnel from the Armed Forces of both countries participating. The exercise focussed on enhancing interoperability and strengthening mutual understanding in planning and conducting combined HADR operations, with particular emphasis on joint amphibious operations.

The STAFFEX involved operational planning, academic lectures and Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs) on contemporary domains, including cyberspace and medical operations, facilitating the exchange of professional expertise and Best Practices.

The TTX enabled the participating forces to apply the concepts and plans developed during the STAFFEX in a simulated operational environment, fostering a common understanding of operational challenges and coordination mechanisms for combined HADR operations.

The closing ceremony was attended by RAdm Vishal Bishnoi, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet, and RAdm Joaquin J. Martinez de Pinillos, Vice Commander, US Pacific Fleet, along with senior officers and dignitaries from both sides.

First conducted in 2019, Exercise Tiger Triumph continues to enhance operational synergy and bilateral defence cooperation between India and the United States. The successful culmination of the 2026 edition reaffirms the commitment of both nations to enhancing joint HADR capabilities and contributing to peace, stability and security in the Indo-Pacific.

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VM/AS