Jodhpur: The bilateral air exercise Veer Guardian 2026, involving the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF), concluded at Air Force Station Jodhpur on Tuesday after a 14-day joint training programme.
The exercise focused on enhancing interoperability, operational coordination and professional exchanges between the two air forces, while further strengthening the India-Japan strategic defence partnership.
The IAF deployed a mix of Su-30 MKI, Rafale and indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas for the exercise, while the JASDF participated with its F-2A fighter aircraft.
During the exercise, Indian and Japanese aircrews conducted a range of advanced flying missions, including within-visual-range combat training and coordinated multi-aircraft operations.
The training provided an opportunity for both sides to operate together and gain greater familiarity with each other’s operational procedures and capabilities.
On the Distinguished Visitors’ Day, General Takehiro Morita, Chief of Staff of the JASDF, and Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, visited Air Force Station Jodhpur and flew aboard the indigenous Tejas fighter aircraft.
The exercise also featured extensive ground-level interactions between personnel from both air forces.
These included subject matter expert exchanges, operational discussions, mission-planning conferences, engineering interactions, maintenance practices and aerospace safety briefings.
The interactions allowed the participating contingents to exchange operational experiences and gain insights into each other’s best practices and specialised capabilities.
The Indian Air Force said the conclusion of Veer Guardian 2026 reflected the enduring friendship and professional camaraderie between the two air forces.
The exercise is expected to contribute to further operational cooperation and deepen the strategic dimension of the India-Japan defence partnership, while providing both sides with opportunities for continued engagement and joint training.
