New Delhi: Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) Chief of Staff General Takehiro Morita flew in India’s indigenous Tejas fighter aircraft. Speaking during Exercise Veer Guardian 2026, Morita described the flight as a powerful symbol of mutual trust, confidence, and friendship between the two countries. The event showcased the growing strategic partnership between India and Japan and highlighted confidence in India’s homegrown defence technology.
Exercise Veer Guardian 2026: Japan Air Chief Flies India’s Indigenous Tejas Fighter
Japan Air Self-Defense Force Chief of Staff General Takehiro Morita flew in the Indian Air Force’s Tejas fighter aircraft during his visit to India.
Read also: India’s Most Advanced Indigenous Fighter Just Crossed A Major Development Milestone
The sortie took place during Exercise Veer Guardian 2026, a bilateral air exercise between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the JASDF being conducted at Air Force Station Jodhpur.
The flight was carried out alongside Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, highlighting the close military cooperation between the two nations.
What General Takehiro Morita Said About The Flight
After the flight, General Morita said the experience was not only valuable from an operational perspective but also represented the strong relationship between India and Japan. He described the sortie as a symbol of:
- Mutual trust
- Confidence
- Friendship
- Growing defence cooperation
According to Morita, the partnership between the two countries has evolved beyond routine military exercises and now includes deeper operational collaboration.
Exercise Veer Guardian 2026 Strengthens Bilateral Ties
Exercise Veer Guardian 2026 is the second edition of the bilateral air exercise between India and Japan. The exercise aims to improve:
- Tactical interoperability
- Joint operational planning
- Air combat capabilities
- Professional military exchanges
Officials said the exercise includes interactions between senior military leaders, pilots, and subject matter experts from both countries.
Shared Vision For A Free And Open Indo-Pacific
General Morita emphasized that India and Japan share a common vision for a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region. He stated that stronger military cooperation contributes to regional peace, stability, and deterrence against emerging security challenges.
The Japanese Air Chief also noted that increasingly sophisticated training activities demonstrate the maturity of the partnership.
Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh Highlights Growing Trust
Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh welcomed General Morita and his delegation to India. He said the partnership between the two air forces is built on:
- Mutual respect
- Professional trust
- Shared commitment to peace
- Regional stability
Speaking about Morita’s flight in the Tejas fighter, Air Chief Marshal Singh described it as a strong example of confidence in India’s indigenous aerospace capabilities.
Read also: Why HAL Has 27 Tejas Mk1A Fighters Ready But Only 10 Will Be Delivered First By March 2027
FAQs
He described the flight as a powerful symbol of mutual trust, confidence, and friendship between India and Japan.
General Takehiro Morita flew in the Tejas during Exercise Veer Guardian 2026 to strengthen defence cooperation and military ties between India and Japan.
Exercise Veer Guardian 2026 is a bilateral air exercise between the Indian Air Force and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force aimed at improving operational cooperation and interoperability.
