1 hr ago
India, Japan Air Chiefs Attend Veer Guardian-2026 Exercise
India and Japan are holding a joint air exercise in Jodhpur.
Their air forces are practicing together in the sky.
Indian aircraft include Tejas, Su-30MKI and Rafale fighters.
Japan is using F-2A fighter aircraft.
Indian Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh and Japanese General Takehiro Morita attended the exercise.
The drills began on September 8 and are scheduled to end on September 22, 2026.
The exercise includes advanced missions and professional discussions.
The countries say it will help their forces work better together.
India has described the exercise as a sign of growing defense cooperation with Japan.
Indian and Japanese air chiefs attended the ongoing Veer Guardian-2026 exercise at Air Force Station Jodhpur.
The Indian Air Force is participating with Tejas, Su-30MKI and Rafale fighter aircraft.
The Japan Air Self-Defense Force is participating with F-2A fighter aircraft.
The exercise began at Jodhpur on September 8 and will continue until September 22, 2026.
Officials say the drills aim to improve interoperability, operational skills and the India-Japan defense partnership.
- Who
- The Indian Air Force, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh and General Takehiro Morita.
- What
- A bilateral air exercise called Veer Guardian-2026 involving frontline fighter aircraft and advanced operational missions.
- Where
- Air Force Station Jodhpur, India.
- When
- The exercise began on September 8 and is scheduled to continue until September 22, 2026; the two air chiefs attended on Sunday.
- Why
- To strengthen interoperability, sharpen operational skills and deepen the India-Japan defense partnership, including cooperation related to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
Key facts
- Exercise
- Veer Guardian-2026
- Participants
- Indian Air Force and Japan Air Self-Defense Force
- Location
- Air Force Station Jodhpur
- Scheduled dates
- September 8 to September 22, 2026
- Indian aircraft
- Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, Su-30MKI and Rafale fighter jets
- Japanese aircraft
- F-2A fighter aircraft
- Stated objectives
- Advanced operational missions, professional interaction and stronger interoperability
Quotes
Indian Air Force media coordination centre
The Indian Air Force’s media coordination centre, which announced the launch of the exercise.
“The skies over Jodhpur are set for high-octane aerial action as the #IAF welcomes F-2s of #JASDF for Ex Veer Guardian. Strengthening interoperability, sharpening skills and taking the Indo–Japan defence partnership to greater heights.”
theprint.in
republicworld.com
“The bilateral Air Exercise ‘Veer Guardian-2026’ between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Japan Air Self Defence Force (JASDF) will begin at Air Force Station Jodhpur. It will continue till September 22, 2026,”
republicworld.com
Sources
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