Archive · 5 Sep 2026
India-Japan Veer Guardian 2026 Air Exercise Begins in Jodhpur
India and Japan are holding a joint air-force exercise called Veer Guardian 2026.
It is taking place in Jodhpur, India, from September 9 to September 22, 2026.
Two Japanese C-2 transport planes brought Japan’s team to the exercise.
Japan is also sending three F-2A fighter aircraft and about 110 personnel.
The Indian Air Force and Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force will train together.
Their practice will include air-combat manoeuvring and other difficult flying situations.
The exercise is meant to help the two forces work better together.
It will also help them understand each other and build trust.
The exercise supports wider defence cooperation between India and Japan.
Two Japanese Air Self-Defense Force C-2 transport aircraft landed at Air Force Station Jodhpur.
Veer Guardian 2026 is scheduled between the Indian Air Force and Japan from September 9 to 22, 2026.
Japan is deploying three F-2A fighter aircraft and approximately 110 personnel from Tsuiki Air Base.
The exercise will include air-combat manoeuvring and focus on tactical proficiency and interoperability.
The exercise is part of expanding India-Japan defence cooperation, including collaboration on maritime security and the Indo-Pacific.
- Who
- The Indian Air Force and Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force, with Japan deploying three F-2A fighters and approximately 110 personnel.
- What
- The second edition of the Veer Guardian bilateral air-combat exercise.
- When
- The exercise is scheduled for September 9-22, 2026; two Japanese C-2 aircraft arrived on September 5.
- Where
- Air Force Station Jodhpur in India.
- Why
- To improve tactical proficiency, interoperability, operational coordination and mutual understanding between the two air forces.
- Exercise
- Veer Guardian 2026
- Participating forces
- Indian Air Force and Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force
- Exercise dates
- September 9-22, 2026
- Arrival
- Two Japan Air Self-Defense Force C-2 transport aircraft landed at Air Force Station Jodhpur
- Japanese aircraft
- Three F-2A fighter aircraft
- Japanese personnel
- Approximately 110 personnel
- Training focus
- Air-combat manoeuvring, tactical proficiency, interoperability and mutual understanding