Sept 2026 : India and Japan are set to conduct the latest edition of their bilateral air exercise, ‘Veer Guardian’, at Air Force Station Jodhpur from September 9 to 22, with the two countries seeking to enhance operational coordination, tactical skills and aerospace cooperation.
The 14-day exercise will feature frontline combat aircraft from both air forces. The Indian Air Force (IAF) will deploy its indigenous Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, along with the Su-30MKI and Rafale fighter jets. The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) will participate with its F-2A fighter aircraft.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the exercise will involve a series of advanced operational missions designed to improve the tactical proficiency and operational understanding of personnel from both countries. Air warriors will participate in extensive professional interactions, allowing them to exchange experience and develop greater familiarity with each other’s operational procedures.
The programme will include mission planning conferences and exchanges between subject matter experts. Discussions will also cover engineering-related aspects, aerospace safety and other areas of operational expertise. These engagements are expected to contribute to greater interoperability and strengthen the professional relationship between the two air forces.
Around 110 personnel from the Japan Air Self-Defense Force are expected to participate in the exercise. The Japanese contingent will include three F-2A fighter aircraft from the 8th Air Wing based at Tsuiki Air Base.
The participation of the F-2A is particularly significant as the aircraft was developed in cooperation with Lockheed Martin and is based on the F-16 design. Its presence provides an opportunity for Indian air personnel to gain operational exposure to an aircraft configuration broadly related to the F-16 platform, adding another dimension to tactical training and preparedness.
Exercise ‘Veer Guardian’ builds on the inaugural edition held in 2023, which marked an important step in bilateral air combat cooperation between India and Japan. The continuation of the exercise reflects the sustained commitment of both nations to strengthening defence ties and expanding military-to-military engagement.
The Ministry of Defence said the exercise reflects the deepening strategic partnership between India and Japan. Beyond tactical training, the drills are expected to reinforce aerospace operational synergy and deepen mutual understanding between the two air forces.
The deployment of Japanese aircraft and personnel to Jodhpur also underscores the growing importance attached to bilateral defence cooperation. The exercise is expected to serve as both a training opportunity and a strategic demonstration of India-Japan defence alignment, supporting their shared objective of promoting regional stability and strengthening cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
(Disclaimer :The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)
