IAF's Joint Air Defence Exercise with Japan Concludes
Veer Guardian 2026 served as a vital platform for enhancing interoperability and strengthening strategic partnership between the two Air Forces
UdaipurTimes, Sept 23, 226 - The bilateral air exercise - Veer Guardian 2026 - between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Japan Air Self Defense Force (JASDF) concluded at Air Force Station Jodhpur on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. The exercise served as a vital platform for enhancing interoperability and strengthening the strategic partnership between the two Air Forces.
During the joint training spanning 14 days, IAF and JASDF engaged in wide range of advanced flying missions encompassing within visual range combat and coordinated multi - aircraft missions. The IAF deployed a mix of aircraft, including Su-30 MKI, Rafale, and indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. The JASDF participated with the F-2A fighter aircraft.
On Distinguished Visitor's Day, General Takehiro Morita, Chief of Staff, JASDF and Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the Air Staff visited Air Force Station Jodhpur and flew the indigenous Tejas fighter aircraft.
The exercise also witnessed numerous ground interactions between IAF and JASDF personnel such as Subject Matter Expert Exchanges, operational discussions, missions planning conferences, engineering interactions, maintenance practice and aerospace safety briefings wherein various aspects were discussed by both the sides.
This engagement continues to pave the way for enhanced collaboration and strategic depth of the defence partnership between India and Japan.
