Jodhpur, September 20, 2026: The ongoing Veer Guardian 2026 air exercise between India and Japan has brought the senior leadership of both countries’ air forces to Jodhpur, highlighting the expanding defence cooperation between New Delhi and Tokyo.

Indian Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh and Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) Chief of Staff General Takehiro Morita visited Air Force Station Jodhpur on Sunday as the two countries conducted joint aerial training involving frontline fighter aircraft.

The 14-day exercise is being conducted from September 9 to September 22 and is hosted by the Indian Air Force. It is the second edition of Veer Guardian and the first time Japanese fighter aircraft have operated from an Indian air base for this bilateral exercise.

Frontline Fighter Aircraft Take Part

The Indian Air Force has deployed a combination of its frontline combat aircraft for the exercise, including the indigenous LCA Tejas, Su-30MKI and Rafale fighters.

Japan is participating with its F-2A fighter aircraft, providing both air forces with an opportunity to conduct training involving different fighter platforms and operational approaches.

The Japanese deployment includes approximately 110 personnel, while F-2A fighters have been brought to India for the exercise. The Japanese contingent arrived in Jodhpur with the support of JASDF C-2 transport aircraft.

Focus on Air Combat and Interoperability

Veer Guardian 2026 is designed to improve the ability of the two air forces to operate together during complex aerial missions.

The programme includes advanced operational missions, mission-planning activities, professional exchanges and discussions involving engineering and aerospace safety. These activities are intended to improve mutual understanding and operational coordination between Indian and Japanese personnel.

Training with different aircraft types also allows pilots to understand the capabilities and operating characteristics of platforms that they do not normally encounter during domestic exercises.

Japanese Fighters Make Indian Debut

One of the most significant aspects of this year’s exercise is the deployment of Japanese fighter aircraft to India.

Japan’s F-2 fighters are operating from an Indian air base as part of the bilateral exercise, marking a new stage in military-to-military engagement between the two countries. Japan had previously participated in India’s multinational Tarang Shakti exercise in 2024, but the 2026 deployment represents the first dedicated Veer Guardian fighter exercise conducted in India.

The first edition of Veer Guardian was held in Japan in January 2023. India participated with Su-30MKI fighters and supporting aircraft, while Japan deployed F-2 and F-15 fighters.

Strengthening India-Japan Defence Cooperation

The exercise forms part of a broader expansion of defence engagement between India and Japan.

The two countries also conduct other military exercises involving their armies and navies. Regular exercises provide personnel with opportunities to develop common procedures, improve communication and gain experience operating alongside another country’s forces.

India’s Defence Ministry has described Veer Guardian 2026 as an exercise aimed at enhancing tactical proficiency and aerospace operational synergy between the two air forces.

Senior Leadership Observes the Training

The presence of Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh and General Takehiro Morita at Jodhpur underscores the importance attached to the exercise by both air forces.

Their visit comes as the exercise enters its final phase, with Indian and Japanese personnel continuing advanced training activities before the scheduled conclusion on September 22.

Beyond the flying component, interactions between senior officers and technical personnel provide an opportunity to discuss operational practices, maintenance procedures, safety standards and future areas of cooperation.

Broader Strategic Significance

India and Japan have been expanding security cooperation as both countries seek greater coordination in the Indo-Pacific region.

Military exercises such as Veer Guardian provide practical opportunities to translate broader defence partnerships into operational cooperation. They also allow participating forces to understand each other’s aircraft, tactics, procedures and command structures.

The exercise does not represent a permanent deployment of Japanese fighters in India. Instead, it is a scheduled bilateral training activity focused on improving operational understanding and interoperability.

Exercise Continues Through September 22

With Veer Guardian 2026 scheduled to conclude on September 22, Indian and Japanese aircrews are expected to continue their planned training and professional exchanges until the end of the exercise.

The deployment of Japanese F-2A fighters alongside India’s Tejas, Su-30MKI and Rafale aircraft has made the Jodhpur exercise a notable chapter in India-Japan air-force cooperation.

As both countries continue to expand defence engagement, exercises such as Veer Guardian provide a practical platform for developing greater familiarity, coordination and operational cooperation between their armed forces.