Jodhpur: Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh and Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) Chief of Staff General Takehiro Morita were present at Air Force Station Jodhpur on Sunday during the ongoing Indo-Japan bilateral air exercise Veer Guardian-2026.
The exercise is being conducted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) from September 9 to September 22, 2026, at Air Force Station Jodhpur. The 14-day exercise is focused on advanced operational missions, professional exchanges and strengthening operational coordination between the two air forces.
IAF and JASDF Deploy Frontline Fighter Aircraft
The exercise brings together a diverse mix of combat aircraft from both countries.
The Indian Air Force is participating with:
- Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas
- Su-30MKI fighter aircraft
- Rafale fighter aircraft
The Japanese Air Self-Defense Force is participating with its F-2A fighter aircraft.
The participation of Japanese F-2 fighter aircraft in India is part of the expanding bilateral air cooperation between the two countries. The Defence Ministry had earlier described the exercise as an important development in India-Japan defence cooperation.
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Exercise Veer Guardian 2026 to Continue Till September 22
According to the Ministry of Defence, Veer Guardian-2026 began on September 9 and will continue until September 22.
During the 14-day exercise, personnel from both air forces are undertaking advanced operational missions and participating in professional interactions.
The exercise programme includes:
- Mission planning conferences
- Subject matter expert exchanges
- Professional interactions between personnel
- Exchanges related to engineering
- Discussions on aerospace safety
- Advanced operational missions
These activities are intended to enhance operational coordination and facilitate the exchange of professional knowledge between the two air forces.
Japanese F-2 Fighters Participate in India for the First Time
The deployment of Japan’s fighter aircraft to India marks an important development in the bilateral air exercise.
The Japanese F-2A aircraft have joined the Indian fighters at Jodhpur for the exercise, providing an opportunity for personnel from both air forces to operate and interact in a common exercise environment.
The Defence Ministry had earlier noted that the 2026 edition would see JASDF fighter aircraft visit India and participate in Veer Guardian for the first time.
Defence Cooperation Between India and Japan
The exercise forms part of the broader defence engagement between India and Japan. Both countries conduct military exercises across different services, including air, land and maritime domains.
The Ministry of Defence has said Veer Guardian-2026 is intended to enhance tactical proficiency and aerospace operational synergy between the two air forces.
The exercise also provides a platform for personnel from the two countries to exchange expertise and strengthen professional relationships.
Veer Guardian 2026: Key Highlights
- Exercise: Veer Guardian-2026
- Participants: Indian Air Force and Japan Air Self-Defense Force
- Venue: Air Force Station Jodhpur, Rajasthan
- Duration: September 9 to September 22, 2026
- Duration of exercise: 14 days
- Indian aircraft: LCA Tejas, Su-30MKI and Rafale
- Japanese aircraft: F-2A
- Focus: Advanced operational missions and professional exchanges
- Activities: Mission planning, expert exchanges, engineering and aerospace safety interactions
- Objective: Enhance tactical proficiency and operational synergy between the two air forces
Exercise Strengthens India-Japan Air Force Engagement
Veer Guardian-2026 provides an opportunity for Indian and Japanese air personnel to conduct joint training activities and exchange operational experience.
With frontline aircraft from both countries taking part, the exercise combines flying activities with mission planning, technical exchanges and professional interactions.
The Ministry of Defence has stated that the exercise reflects the deepening strategic partnership between India and Japan and reinforces the longstanding relationship and strategic cooperation between the two countries.
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