India-Japan Air Exercise ‘Veer Guardian 2026’ Concludes in Jodhpur, Strengthening Defence Cooperation.
Jodhpur:
The bilateral air exercise ‘Veer Guardian 2026’ between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) concluded on Tuesday at Air Force Station Jodhpur, marking another significant step towards strengthening interoperability, operational coordination and strategic cooperation between the two countries.
The 14-day joint exercise brought together fighter aircraft and personnel from both air forces for a series of advanced training missions. The IAF participated with a mix of Su-30 MKI, Rafale and indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, while the JASDF deployed its F-2A fighter aircraft.
Advanced Air Combat Training
During the exercise, Indian and Japanese air force personnel conducted a wide range of flying operations designed to enhance their ability to operate together in complex air-combat scenarios.
The training included within-visual-range combat missions as well as coordinated multi-aircraft operations. The exercises provided both sides with an opportunity to practise tactical coordination, exchange operational knowledge and gain greater familiarity with each other’s procedures and capabilities.
The participation of the indigenous LCA Tejas also highlighted India’s growing capability in the field of domestically developed fighter aircraft.
Senior Air Force Chiefs Fly Tejas
A key highlight of the exercise was the Distinguished Visitor’s Day, during which senior military leaders from both countries visited Air Force Station Jodhpur.
General Takehiro Morita, Chief of Staff of the JASDF, and Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, attended the event and flew aboard the indigenous Tejas fighter aircraft.
Their participation underscored the importance attached by both sides to the bilateral engagement and provided a high-level demonstration of the professional relationship between the two air forces.
Focus Beyond Flying Operations
‘Veer Guardian 2026’ also featured extensive ground-based interactions between personnel of the IAF and JASDF. These included Subject Matter Expert Exchanges, operational discussions, mission-planning conferences, engineering interactions, maintenance practices and aerospace safety briefings.
The interactions allowed personnel from both air forces to exchange experiences and discuss operational procedures and technical practices. According to the Indian Air Force, these engagements provided valuable insights into the respective best practices and capabilities of the participating forces.
Strengthening India-Japan Defence Partnership
The conclusion of the exercise reflects the continuing defence engagement between India and Japan and the efforts of their air forces to deepen professional cooperation.
Through joint flying operations, tactical training and extensive personnel exchanges, Exercise Veer Guardian 2026 provided a platform for enhancing interoperability and understanding between the IAF and JASDF.
The exercise concluded with both sides reaffirming the importance of continued cooperation and professional camaraderie. The engagement is expected to contribute to further collaboration and greater strategic depth in the India-Japan defence partnership.
The Indian Air Force described the exercise as a testament to the enduring friendship between the two air forces and their commitment to expanding bilateral defence cooperation.
