Jodhpur, Sept 2026 : Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh and Japan Air Self-Defense Force Chief of Staff General Takehiro Morita flew in India’s indigenous Tejas fighter aircraft on Sunday, highlighting the growing defence and operational cooperation between the two countries.
The two service chiefs boarded the Light Combat Aircraft at the Jodhpur Air Force Station, where the Indian Air Force and Japan Air Self-Defense Force are conducting the joint air exercise ‘Veer Guardian 2026’.
The exercise began on September 9 and is scheduled to continue until September 22. It has now entered its final phase, during which both air forces are testing their aerial combat capabilities through simulated combat situations and a range of operational activities.
As part of the final phase, fighter aircraft from India and Japan are undertaking air-strike missions and practising different aerial combat manoeuvres. The participation of the two air chiefs in a Tejas flight underlined the confidence and growing operational understanding between the two forces.
The occasion is particularly significant as it marks the first time that fighter aircraft of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force have participated in a joint training exercise conducted in India.
The Indian contingent includes the indigenous Tejas, along with frontline fighter aircraft such as the Sukhoi-30MKI and Rafale. Japan has deployed its F-2A fighter jets for the exercise.
Through ‘Veer Guardian 2026’, the two air forces are carrying out a series of aerial missions and combat-related activities aimed at strengthening operational synergy, mutual understanding and coordination during joint operations.
The flight of the Tejas by the chiefs of the two air forces also showcased India’s indigenous aerospace capabilities in the setting of a major bilateral military exercise.
Since the beginning of the exercise, personnel from both countries have participated in various operational missions and simulated combat activities. The training has enabled air warriors to gain a better understanding of each other’s operational procedures, combat tactics and mission planning methods.
Enhanced coordination during joint operations remains one of the key objectives of the exercise. The participating forces are also using the opportunity to exchange professional experiences and assess their capabilities in realistic, combat-like scenarios.
The exercise provides both air forces with an important platform to practise joint operations, improve tactical coordination and learn from one another’s operational experience.
The participation of Tejas, Sukhoi-30MKI and Rafale from India, alongside Japan’s F-2A fighters, reflects the broad operational scope of the exercise. The joint training is expected to further strengthen defence ties and contribute to greater interoperability between the Indian Air Force and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.
