The IAF on Wednesday said the exercise, aimed at strengthening the partnership between the two Air Forces, began on May 26 and concluded at the Garud Regimental Training Centre (GRTC).
Exercise Tiger Claw 2025
Exercise Tiger Claw: India and US Conduct First Independent Special Forces Drill
In a significant step towards deepening defence cooperation, the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the United States Air Force (USAF) have successfully concluded Exercise “Tiger Claw”, a first-of-its-kind independent Special Forces joint exercise conducted across North India. The exercise, which commenced on May 26 and concluded on June 10, 2025, was primarily held at the Garud Regimental Training Centre (GRTC) in Chandinagar, Uttar Pradesh, and extended to various locations in North India.
Strengthening Air Force Ties
The main objective of Exercise Tiger Claw was to enhance interoperability, share best practices in special operations, and strengthen operational cooperation between the elite forces of the two nations. The Indian Air Force stated that the two-week-long joint training exercise witnessed mutual exchange of tactics, joint mission planning, and field-level coordination between the IAF’s Garud Commandos and the USAF’s Special Forces units.
Symbolism Behind the Name
The name “Tiger Claw” holds symbolic importance, as tigers are universally regarded as symbols of strength, power, and precision—qualities that are integral to Special Forces operations. The exercise title reflects the agility and striking capabilities of the participating elite troops.
Key Venue: Garud Regimental Training Centre (GRTC)
The Garud Regimental Training Centre, located at Air Force Station Chandinagar, is the primary hub for training the IAF’s Garud Commandos—India’s elite Special Forces unit dedicated to airfield security, counter-terrorism, and specialized operations. GRTC’s strategic facilities and expertise made it an ideal location for hosting such a high-level joint exercise.
Broader India-US Military Collaboration
Exercise Tiger Claw adds to the growing list of bilateral and multilateral defence engagements between India and the United States. Apart from Tiger Claw, the IAF and USAF regularly participate in:
- Cope India: A bilateral air exercise enhancing mutual understanding and cooperation.
- Tarang Shakti: A multinational air exercise hosted by India.
- Red Flag: A premier multinational air combat exercise hosted by the USA.
These exercises contribute significantly to strategic trust-building and operational synergy between the two democratic nations.
Conclusion
Exercise Tiger Claw marks a new chapter in India-US defence ties, particularly in the domain of Special Forces collaboration. With its successful execution, both air forces have demonstrated their commitment to a stronger strategic partnership, joint readiness, and shared security objectives in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.
