Hands-On Combat: Indian & US Troops Sharpen Interoperability in Joint Live-Fire Training
Rear Admiral Newkirk joins Indian troops in high-intensity combat exercises at Duvvada Firing Range.
BNH NETWORK
Strategic Trust in Action: Tiger Triumph 2025 Brings Indo-US Forces Closer on Ground
Bengaluru - In a striking reaffirmation of Indo-US defence cooperation, Exercise Tiger Triumph 2025 witnessed a powerful joint training phase between Indian and US troops at the Duvvada Firing Range from April 2 to 4. The drills focused on combat interoperability, tactical readiness, and humanitarian coordination — pivotal to Indo-Pacific security cooperation.
The three-day engagement opened with a joint address by commanding officers from both sides, followed by operational briefings from the 8 Gorkha Rifles Infantry Battalion Group, representing the Amphibious Brigade of India’s Bison Division under the Sudarshan Chakra Corps. The US side was represented by the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment (Bobcats) and the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 11th Infantry Division (Arctic Wolves).
A highlight of the exercise was the active participation of Rear Admiral Greg Newkirk (US Navy), who joined Indian troops in live-firing and Jungle Lane Shooting modules—demonstrating leadership through shared action. His presence, along with officers from HQ Eastern Naval Command and HQ Integrated Defence Staff (IDS), underlined the strategic seriousness and operational depth of the joint drills.
Troops conducted close-quarters combat simulations, small arms marksmanship, and buddy-pair live-fire exercises, reinforcing team cohesion and battlefield trust. Training sessions included Integrated Field Craft (IFC), terrain-based combat movements, and Combat Medical Aid for swift battlefield casualty management.
This exercise significantly contributed to building mutual trust, understanding of operational protocols, and cross-cultural team dynamics, ensuring both nations are better prepared for humanitarian assistance and regional security roles in the Indian Ocean Region.
NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
- Rear Admiral Greg Newkirk participated in tactical live-firing with Indian soldiers, highlighting operational leadership.
- US and Indian troops conducted close-quarters combat drills, small arms firing from 100 & 50 meters, and dense terrain simulations.
- Buddy team training enhanced trust, tactical flexibility, and joint manoeuvrability in real-time scenarios.
- Integrated Field Craft (IFC) taught terrain navigation, cover techniques, and combat agility.
- Combat Medical Aid module enhanced soldiers’ ability to deliver battlefield first aid and evacuation.
- Command synergy between Eastern Naval Command, HQ IDS, and US counterparts reaffirms strategic intent.
- Exercise reflects growing depth of India-US defence ties and shared commitment to Indo-Pacific peacekeeping.
