Post by : Rohit Dhiman

The Indian Air Force and Japan Air Self-Defense Force are conducting the bilateral air exercise Veer Guardian-2026 at Air Force Station Jodhpur in Rajasthan. The exercise began on September 9 and is scheduled to continue until September 22, bringing fighter aircraft and personnel from both countries together for joint training. According to the Ministry of Defence, the Indian side is participating with frontline aircraft including Tejas, Su-30MKI and Rafale, while Japan has deployed its F-2 fighter aircraft for the exercise. The 14-day exercise is designed to provide both air forces with opportunities to undertake advanced operational missions and exchange professional expertise. The exercise is also significant because Japanese fighter aircraft are visiting India for the first time to participate in this bilateral air exercise. This follows the commitment by the two countries to expand and increase the complexity of their defence exercises.

Fighter Aircraft Take Part In Joint Training

During Veer Guardian-2026, Indian and Japanese personnel are expected to engage in operational activities and professional exchanges aimed at improving coordination between the two air forces. The Indian contingent brings together three prominent fighter platforms. The Tejas represents India's indigenous light fighter programme, while the Su-30MKI and Rafale form part of the Indian Air Force's frontline fighter fleet. Japan's F-2 aircraft are participating from the Jodhpur airbase, giving Japanese personnel an opportunity to conduct training in the Indian operational environment. The exercise is focused not only on flying activities but also on planning, technical interaction and exchanges between personnel from the two sides.

Focus On Operational Coordination And Tactical Skills

A key objective of the exercise is to improve operational coordination between the Indian Air Force and Japan Air Self-Defense Force. The official Defence Ministry release says participating personnel will conduct advanced operational missions and take part in professional discussions. The programme includes mission planning conferences, exchanges between subject-matter experts and interactions covering engineering and space-security aspects. Such activities allow personnel from both sides to understand operational procedures and working methods used by their respective air forces. The exercise is therefore aimed at improving India Japan air exercise cooperation while providing both sides with practical experience in operating alongside another air force.

First Japanese Fighter Deployment To India For The Exercise

One of the notable aspects of Veer Guardian-2026 is the participation of Japanese fighter aircraft from an Indian airbase. India and Japan had already agreed to strengthen their bilateral defence cooperation and expand military exercises. In August 2026, the two countries specifically welcomed progress on Veer Guardian-2026 and noted that Japanese Air Self-Defense Force fighter aircraft would visit India and participate in the exercise for the first time. The current deployment of Japan's F-2 aircraft at Jodhpur therefore represents an important development in the air-force component of bilateral defence cooperation.

Veer Guardian Builds On Earlier India Japan Exercises

The current exercise follows the first Veer Guardian air exercise held in Japan in January 2023. During the 2023 edition, the Indian Air Force participated with Su-30MKI aircraft, while the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force deployed F-2 and F-15 aircraft. The exercise included aerial combat manoeuvres, interception and air-defence missions in different simulated operational situations. The 2026 edition is being conducted in India and includes a wider range of Indian fighter aircraft along with Japan's F-2 fighters. The progression of the exercise reflects the continued expansion of defence engagement between the two countries.

Defence Cooperation Between India And Japan

India and Japan have been increasing cooperation across different areas of defence, including military exercises involving their land, maritime and air forces. The two countries conduct the Army exercise Dharma Guardian and the maritime exercise JAIMEX, while Veer Guardian focuses on cooperation between their air forces. During their August 2026 defence ministers' meeting, both sides welcomed the continued expansion of bilateral exercises and discussed making future drills more complex, including greater integration of unmanned systems and other capabilities. The current Veer Guardian 2026 exercise is part of this broader defence engagement.

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Jodhpur Becomes Training Ground For Bilateral Air Operations

Air Force Station Jodhpur is hosting the latest edition of the exercise, giving participating personnel a common location for flying activities, mission planning and technical exchanges. The exercise will continue until September 22. During this period, personnel from India and Japan will work together through operational missions and professional interactions designed to improve familiarity with each other's procedures and capabilities. The presence of Japanese F-2 aircraft in India also provides an opportunity for both sides to gain experience from operating together in an Indian setting.c

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