India-Japan Air Exercise Veer Guardian 2026 Concludes at Jodhpur
Exercise Veer Guardian 2026, the bilateral air drill between the Indian Air Force and Japan Air Self Defense Force, ended at Air Force Station Jodhpur on 22 September 2026.
The bilateral air exercise Veer Guardian 2026 between the Indian Air Force and the Japan Air Self Defense Force concluded at Air Force Station Jodhpur on 22 September 2026, following 14 days of joint training.
The IAF fielded a mix of platforms, including the Su-30 MKI, the Rafale and the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, while the JASDF participated with its F-2A fighter aircraft.
Flying activity covered a wide range of advanced missions, among them within visual range combat and coordinated multi-aircraft operations.
On Distinguished Visitor's Day, General Takehiro Morita, Chief of Staff of the JASDF, and Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, visited the station and flew the indigenous Tejas fighter.
Beyond the air, the exercise included extensive ground interactions between personnel of the two forces. These comprised subject matter expert exchanges, operational discussions, mission planning conferences, engineering interactions, maintenance practice and aerospace safety briefings. The engagements allowed both contingents to gain an understanding of each other's best practices and unique capabilities.
The exercise was described as a reflection of the friendship and professional camaraderie between the two air forces, and as a step towards deeper collaboration and strategic depth in the India-Japan defence partnership.