New Delhi: The bilateral air exercise Veer Guardian 2026 between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) concluded at Air Force Station Jodhpur on Tuesday.
The 14-day exercise provided a platform for the two air forces to enhance interoperability and strengthen their strategic partnership.
The IAF participated with Su-30 MKI, Rafale and indigenous Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, while the JASDF deployed F-2A fighter aircraft, according to an official statement.
The joint training included a range of advanced flying missions, covering within-visual-range combat and coordinated multi-aircraft operations.
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 featured several ground-based interactions between personnel from the IAF and JASDF.
These included subject matter expert exchanges, operational discussions, mission planning conferences, engineering interactions, maintenance practices, and aerospace safety briefings.
The interactions enabled personnel from both contingents to gain insights into each other’s best practices and learn from their respective capabilities.
The conclusion of Exercise Veer Guardian 2026 highlighted the enduring friendship and professional camaraderie between the Indian and Japanese air forces. The engagement is expected to contribute to greater collaboration and strategic depth in the defence partnership between India and Japan.
