Context: 

In a first-of-its-kind independent Special Forces exercise, the Indian Air Force and U.S. Air Force successfully conducted Exercise "Tiger Claw" across North India.

More on the News

• The exercise is aimed at strengthening the partnership between the two Air Forces and concluded at the Garud Regimental Training Centre (GRTC).

• The GRTC is a crucial facility for training the IAF's elite Special Forces unit, the Garud Commandos, and is situated at Air Force Station in Uttar Pradesh.

• During the two-week-long joint exercise, the two forces engaged in a mutual exchange of best practices in special operations, conducted joint training and built interoperability capabilities.

Tiger Claw

• 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.

• The objective of the exercise included expanding partnership, mutual exchange of best practices in special operations, and joint training between the two Air Forces to develop interoperability.

• There are institutional exchanges and training programs between the armed forces of the two countries at various levels. 

• As far as the two air forces are concerned, they also conduct several air exercises, including the bilateral Cope India, and participate in other multinational drills such as Tarang Shakti and Red Flag.

• Yudh Abhyas: It is the Joint military training (Army), the Objective is to Counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism in mountainous terrain
• Cope India: It is a series of bilateral air force exercises conducted between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the United States Air Force (USAF).
• Red Flag: A premier multinational air combat exercise hosted by the USA.