New Delhi: The India-Japan defence partnership reached a significant milestone with the maiden visit of Japanese Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) fighter aircraft to India for Exercise Veer Guardian 2026. The exercise, being conducted in Jodhpur from September 9 to September 22, marks the second joint exercise involving fighter aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and JASDF.
The reciprocal deployment of fighter aircraft highlights the growing defence cooperation between India and Japan and reflects their shared commitment to strengthening peace, stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region.
Veer Guardian 2026 Marks Second Fighter Aircraft Exercise
According to the Ministry of Defence, the maiden visit of JASDF fighter aircraft to India follows Exercise Veer Guardian 23, during which IAF fighter aircraft travelled to Japan for the first time in 2023.
The reciprocal deployment of fighter aircraft is being viewed as an important initiative in the evolving India-Japan defence relationship.
The exercise is aimed at:
- Enhancing interoperability between the two Air Forces
- Facilitating the exchange of operational tactics
- Improving combat and operational skills
- Strengthening professional cooperation between personnel
- Building a foundation for long-term defence cooperation
- Supporting peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific
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Rajnath Singh Welcomes Japanese Fighter Aircraft
Earlier on Thursday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh welcomed the first visit of JASDF F-2 fighter aircraft to India and described it as a significant milestone in the defence partnership between the two countries.
Singh said that reciprocal exchanges, including Exercise Veer Guardian, would further strengthen the operational synergy between India and Japan.
He also linked the development to growing mutual trust and the shared commitment of both countries towards peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
IAF to Deploy Tejas, Su-30MKI and Rafale
The Indian Air Force is participating in Exercise Veer Guardian 2026 with several frontline combat aircraft.
The IAF contingent includes:
- Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas
- Su-30MKI
- Rafale
The participation of these frontline platforms will provide opportunities for both air forces to conduct joint operational activities and exchange expertise in complex air operations.
Advanced Operational Missions Planned
The 14-day exercise will involve participating air warriors in advanced operational missions and extensive professional interactions.
The programme includes several activities designed to improve coordination and deepen mutual understanding between the two air forces.
These include:
- Mission planning conferences
- Subject matter expert exchanges
- Engineering-related professional interactions
- Aerospace safety discussions
- Joint operational activities
- Exchange of tactics and operational experience
The Ministry of Defence said these activities will help foster deeper operational synergy between the Indian Air Force and JASDF.
Exercise Strengthens Indo-Pacific Defence Cooperation
Exercise Veer Guardian 2026 comes as India and Japan continue to expand their defence and security cooperation.
The reciprocal movement of fighter aircraft between the two countries is significant as it provides both air forces with an opportunity to operate alongside each other in a different geographical environment and understand each other’s operational practices.
The Ministry of Defence said the exercise will contribute to enhanced interoperability and improved operational skills while strengthening the foundation for long-term cooperation and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
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