The Indian Air Force and Japan Air Self Defence Force have wrapped up a joint air defence exercise called Exercise Veer Guardian 2026. The Ministry of Defence announced the conclusion of the 14-day training exercise on 22 September 2026 at Air Force Station Jodhpur. The drill brought together fighter pilots and support personnel from both countries to practise combat flying and improve their ability to work together.
What happened during the exercise
India deployed Su-30 MKI, Rafale and the homegrown Light Combat Aircraft Tejas fighters. Japan sent F-2A fighter aircraft. Over the fortnight, pilots from both air forces flew multiple missions involving within-visual-range combat scenarios and coordinated multi-aircraft operations.
The exercise included more than just flying. Personnel from both sides held:
- Subject Matter Expert Exchanges where specialists shared knowledge
- Operational discussions and mission planning conferences
- Engineering and maintenance practice sessions
- Aerospace safety briefings
On a special visit day, General Takehiro Morita, Chief of Staff of the Japanese Air Self Defence Force, and Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force, both flew the Tejas fighter at Jodhpur. This allowed the two senior commanders to experience India’s indigenous combat aircraft firsthand.
What this means for you
These exercises strengthen India’s defence partnerships and show how the country’s military cooperates with allies in the Asia-Pacific region. The participation of India’s homegrown Tejas aircraft demonstrates the capabilities of domestic aerospace programmes. For defence professionals and those interested in military cooperation, such exchanges signal India’s growing role in regional security arrangements and its commitment to developing relationships with technologically advanced nations.