India-Japan
India-Japan bilateral air exercise ends: Tejas, Rafale and Su-30 MKI join Veer Guardian 2026
The 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 Tuesday.
The 14-day exercise provided a platform for enhancing interoperability and strengthening the strategic partnership between the two air forces.
The IAF deployed a mix of fighter aircraft, including the Su-30 MKI, Rafale and indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, while the JASDF participated with F-2A fighter aircraft.
During the exercise, the two air forces conducted a range of advanced flying missions, including within-visual-range combat and coordinated multi-aircraft operations.
On the occasion of Distinguished Visitors’ Day, 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 and flew aboard the indigenous Tejas fighter aircraft.
The exercise also featured extensive ground interactions between IAF and JASDF personnel, including subject-matter expert exchanges, operational discussions, mission-planning conferences, engineering interactions, maintenance practices and aerospace safety briefings.
The exercise concluded at Air Force Station Jodhpur, India. Photo: PIB
These engagements provided the participating contingents with insights into each other's operational practices and enabled them to learn from their respective capabilities and expertise.
The conclusion of Exercise Veer Guardian 2026 underscored the enduring friendship and professional camaraderie between the two air forces. The engagement is expected to further strengthen operational cooperation and deepen the strategic partnership between India and Japan in the defence sector.
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