The Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) have successfully concluded the bilateral air exercise Veer Guardian 2026 at Air Force Station Jodhpur, marking another step in the expanding defence and military partnership between India and Japan.
The 14-day exercise concluded on September 22 following intensive joint training focused on improving interoperability, strengthening operational coordination and deepening professional engagement between the two air forces.
Held in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, the exercise brought together frontline fighter aircraft operated by both countries. The IAF deployed the Su-30MKI, Rafale and indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, while the JASDF participated with its Mitsubishi F-2A multirole fighter.
Throughout the exercise, aircrew from both sides conducted a range of advanced flying missions designed to test tactical coordination, operational planning and air combat capabilities.
The training included Within Visual Range (WVR) combat missions, allowing pilots to practice close-range aerial engagements under realistic conditions. The participating aircraft also conducted coordinated multi-aircraft missions that required detailed planning, effective communication and precise execution involving fighters from both air forces.
Such activities are important for developing interoperability by providing pilots and mission planners with greater familiarity with each other’s tactics, procedures and operational approaches.
Air Chiefs Fly Indigenous Tejas
A key highlight of Veer Guardian 2026 was the Distinguished Visitors’ Day, attended by JASDF Chief of Staff General Takehiro Morita and Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh at Air Force Station Jodhpur.
In a notable demonstration of professional engagement, both air chiefs flew sorties in India’s indigenous Tejas fighter aircraft.
The event highlighted the growing international visibility of India’s domestically developed combat aircraft while providing an opportunity for senior Japanese and Indian air force leadership to experience the platform directly.
Ground-Based Professional Exchanges
Beyond flying operations, Veer Guardian 2026 included extensive ground-based interactions between personnel from the two air forces.
Subject Matter Expert exchanges covered operational concepts, tactical employment, maintenance procedures and technical practices. Mission planning conferences and operational discussions also provided opportunities for participants to exchange perspectives on contemporary air warfare and coordinated mission execution.
Engineering interactions formed another important element of the exercise. Technical personnel from both countries discussed aircraft support systems, maintenance practices and sustainment procedures.
Maintenance-focused engagements allowed ground crews to compare operational processes and standards while developing a better understanding of aircraft readiness and logistical support requirements.
Aerospace safety briefings were also conducted, covering flight safety, risk management and operational safety procedures. These engagements enabled personnel from both air forces to share professional experiences and examine different approaches to maintaining safe and effective air operations.
Second Edition of Veer Guardian
Veer Guardian 2026 was particularly significant as it represented the second edition of the India-Japan bilateral air exercise.
The inaugural exercise was conducted at Hyakuri Air Base in Japan in January 2023 and marked the first fighter aircraft exercise between the IAF and JASDF.
The 2026 edition further expanded the engagement by bringing Japanese F-2A fighters to India for operational training. The participation of the Tejas alongside the Rafale and Su-30MKI provided an opportunity to employ different fighter platforms in a common training environment.
For Japan, operating the F-2A alongside India’s diverse fighter fleet enabled dissimilar air combat training and provided aircrew with exposure to different aircraft, tactics and operating procedures.
Strengthening India-Japan Defence Cooperation
Veer Guardian forms part of the broader expansion of India-Japan defence and security cooperation over the past decade. The relationship has developed across areas including military training, maritime security, defence technology and regional security cooperation.
Both countries are important partners in the Indo-Pacific and have expressed support for maintaining a free, open and rules-based regional order.
The bilateral air exercise complements other India-Japan military engagements, including the Dharma Guardian exercise between their armies and the JIMEX naval exercise, reflecting cooperation across the three armed services.
The conclusion of Veer Guardian 2026 provides another platform for the IAF and JASDF to strengthen operational understanding, exchange professional expertise and develop greater familiarity with each other’s procedures. The experience gained through the exercise can support continued cooperation and interoperability between the two air forces as India-Japan defence engagement expands.
