The bilateral air exercise ‘Veer Guardian 2026’ between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) concluded at Air Force Station Jodhpur on September 22, following 14 days of intensive joint training aimed at enhancing interoperability and strengthening the strategic partnership between the two air forces.
The exercise served as an important platform for deepening operational cooperation and fostering greater mutual understanding between the IAF and JASDF.
The IAF deployed a mix of frontline combat aircraft, including the Su-30MKI, Rafale, and the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, while the JASDF participated with its F-2A fighter aircraft.
During the exercise, personnel from both air forces undertook a wide range of advanced flying missions, including within-visual-range air combat training and coordinated multi-aircraft operations, aimed at enhancing tactical proficiency and mission integration.
A major highlight of the exercise was the Distinguished Visitors’ Day, during which General Takehiro Morita, Chief of Staff, JASDF, and Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, visited Air Force Station Jodhpur.
Both senior leaders also flew the indigenous Tejas fighter aircraft, underlining the growing confidence and cooperation between the two forces.
Beyond flying operations, the exercise witnessed extensive ground-level engagements between IAF and JASDF personnel.
These included Subject Matter Expert (SME) exchanges, operational discussions, mission-planning conferences, engineering interactions, maintenance practice exchanges, and aerospace safety briefings, enabling both sides to share experiences and best practices across multiple domains.
The interactions provided participating contingents with valuable insights into each other’s operational procedures and unique capabilities, further contributing to enhanced interoperability.
Exercise Veer Guardian 2026 concluded as a testament to the enduring friendship, mutual trust and professional camaraderie between the Indian Air Force and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.
The exercise is expected to further strengthen defence cooperation and add strategic depth to the growing India-Japan partnership in the Indo-Pacific region.
