Our Bureau
Jodhpur
Japanese fighter aircraft operated from Indian soil for the first time during the ongoing India-Japan bilateral air exercise Veer Guardian-2026, marking a significant development in defence cooperation between the two countries. The exercise is being conducted at Air Force Station Jodhpur from September 9 to 22.
The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) has deployed F-2A fighter aircraft for the exercise, while the Indian Air Force (IAF) is participating with its Tejas, Su-30MKI and Rafale aircraft. The Japanese aircraft were flown from Tsuiki Air Base in Japan to Jodhpur for the exercise.
Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh described the deployment of Japanese fighters from an Indian air base as a major milestone in the India-Japan partnership. He said joint exercises provide both air forces an opportunity to train together, exchange operational experience and strengthen their capabilities.
The exercise also witnessed an interaction between the two air forces’ senior leadership. JASDF Chief of Staff General Takehiro Morita and Air Chief Marshal Singh took part in sorties in Tejas aircraft at Jodhpur on Sunday. Morita flew in a trainer aircraft with an Indian pilot, while Singh flew separately. The two chiefs also exchanged badges as a gesture of professional cooperation.
The 14-day exercise includes advanced operational missions, mission-planning sessions and professional exchanges. Personnel from both sides are also engaging in discussions related to engineering and aerospace safety, with the stated aim of improving operational coordination between the two air forces.
The exercise is the second edition of Veer Guardian, and its current edition is scheduled to conclude on September 22. The deployment of Japanese aircraft to an Indian air base adds a new operational dimension to the countries’ growing defence and aerospace cooperation.