Indian and Japanese air forces conduct the bilateral air exercise “Veer Guardian-2026” at Air Force Station Jodhpur in Rajasthan, with senior commanders taking part in aircraft sorties. Indian Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh and Japan Air Self-Defence Force (JASDF) Chief of Staff General Takehiro Morita fly as part of the exercise activities involving Indian Air Force (IAF) and JASDF fighter aircraft.
Outlets describe the deployment of Japanese fighters from Indian soil as a notable development for India-Japan defence cooperation. The exercise uses JASDF F-2A fighters alongside IAF platforms including Rafale, Su-30MKI, and the indigenous Tejas. During the sorties, Singh flies a Tejas, while Morita flies in a Tejas as a passenger, with discussions focusing on operational practices, mission planning, and aerospace safety.
Context is also provided through official statements cited by one report: the Indian Defence Minister previously frames Japan’s sending of fighter aircraft to the exercise as a “significant milestone,” linking the drills to growing trust and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. The two reports align on the exercise dates, the location at Jodhpur, and the emphasis on interoperability, training, and shared operational engagement through September 22, 2026.
