The 14-day bilateral air exercise ‘Veer Guardian 2026’ between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) concluded at Air Force Station Jodhpur on September 22, underlining the growing operational cooperation and strategic ties between India and Japan. The exercise brought together advanced fighter aircraft, complex air combat training and extensive professional exchanges, giving personnel from both sides an opportunity to train together and understand each other’s operational practices.
The conclusion of Exercise Veer Guardian 2026 at Air Force Station Jodhpur marked another step forward in the expanding defence engagement between India and Japan. Conducted over 14 days, the bilateral air exercise focused on improving interoperability, sharpening operational coordination and strengthening the professional relationship between the Indian Air Force and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.
The IAF fielded a diverse fleet for the exercise, including the Su-30 MKI, Rafale and indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. The JASDF participated with its F-2A fighter aircraft, allowing the two air forces to conduct joint training involving different aircraft platforms and operational capabilities.
The flying component featured a range of advanced missions. These included within-visual-range combat training as well as coordinated multi-aircraft missions, providing pilots from both sides with opportunities to practise working together in demanding operational scenarios. Such training is aimed at improving communication, coordination and understanding between the participating forces.
A notable feature of the exercise came on Distinguished Visitors’ Day, when General Takehiro Morita, Chief of Staff of the JASDF, and Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, visited Air Force Station Jodhpur. Both senior commanders also flew in the indigenous Tejas fighter aircraft, highlighting the importance attached to the bilateral engagement and India’s growing indigenous aerospace capabilities.
Veer Guardian 2026 extended beyond flying operations. Personnel from the two air forces participated in Subject Matter Expert Exchanges, operational discussions and mission-planning conferences. Engineering interactions, maintenance practices and aerospace safety briefings were also conducted as part of the exercise.
These ground-based engagements enabled personnel to exchange views on operational procedures and technical practices while gaining insights into the capabilities and working methods of their counterparts. The interactions also provided an opportunity for both contingents to identify areas where lessons and best practices could be shared.
The exercise concluded against the backdrop of an increasingly close defence relationship between India and Japan. Beyond the air missions conducted during the exercise, the professional exchanges helped build familiarity and confidence among personnel from the two air forces.
Veer Guardian 2026 thus served as a platform for both operational training and institutional engagement. The continued interaction between the IAF and JASDF is expected to contribute to greater interoperability and deeper defence cooperation, while reinforcing the longstanding friendship and professional camaraderie between the two countries.
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