India, Japan Air Forces Conduct Veer Guardian Exercise
India, Japan Air Forces Conduct Veer Guardian Exercise
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Key Points
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The 14-day exercise is scheduled to conclude on September 22 and includes advanced operational missions as well as extensive professional interactions between the two air forces.
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The Indian Air Force said the drills were intended to strengthen interoperability, sharpen skills and take the India-Japan defence partnership “to greater heights.”
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Defence Minister Rajnath Singh linked the exercise to “highly productive discussions” with his Japanese counterpart in New Delhi and said reciprocal visits such as Veer Guardian would further strengthen bilateral defence cooperation.
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Beyond improving tactical skills, the exercise is described as enhancing aerospace operational synergy and reaffirming the longstanding friendship and strategic cooperation between India and Japan.
India and Japan are conducting a historic 14-day air exercise at Jodhpur, with Japanese fighter jets deploying to Indian soil for the first time. Assam Tribune reports that the bilateral Veer Guardian-2026 drill aims to sharpen tactical skills and boost interoperability between the two air forces. The exercise runs through September 22 and marks a major step in their expanding defense partnership.
Both air chiefs flew together in India's Tejas fighter jet during the drills. Economic Times notes that Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh and Japan Air Self-Defense Force Chief of Staff Gen. Takehiro Morita took sorties from Air Force Station Jodhpur. The deployment signals deepening military cooperation amid shared concerns over Indo-Pacific stability.
Japanese Fighters Land in India for First Time
Japan has deployed F-2A fighter jets to participate in the exercise — a first for Japanese military aircraft on Indian soil. Assam Tribune describes the deployment as a significant milestone in India-Japan defense cooperation. India is flying Tejas, Su-30MKI, and Rafale fighters alongside the Japanese jets. The mix of aircraft allows both air forces to practice advanced operational missions together.
Air Chiefs Soar Together in India's Homegrown Fighter
The two nations' top air commanders made a symbolic flight in the Tejas, India's light combat aircraft. Rediff reports that Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh and Gen. Takehiro Morita took off from Air Force Station Jodhpur in the Indian fighter. News18 quoted the IAF Chief calling the Japanese leader's sortie a sign of "faith and trust" in India's homegrown fighter jet. The moment underscored the personal bonds between the two air forces.
Building Interoperability and Strategic Partnership
The 14-day drill goes beyond flying together. Economic Times explains the exercise includes extensive professional interactions and advanced operational missions. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh linked the drills to earlier talks with Japan's defense counterpart in New Delhi. He said reciprocal visits like Veer Guardian would strengthen bilateral ties. The IAF stated the exercise aims to take the defense partnership "to greater heights" while affirming the two nations' longstanding friendship.
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