New Delhi: The Indian Air Force and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force are beginning the bilateral air exercise Veer Guardian 2026 at Air Force Station Jodhpur on Wednesday, expanding operational cooperation between the two countries through nearly two weeks of flying and professional exchanges.
The exercise will run from September 9 to 22. The Indian Air Force is participating with LCA Tejas, Su-30MKI and Rafale fighter aircraft, while the Japanese contingent is fielding F-2A combat aircraft.
During the exercise, the two air forces will undertake advanced operational missions designed to improve tactical proficiency and interoperability. The programme also includes mission-planning conferences, exchanges between subject-matter experts and interactions covering engineering practices and aerospace safety.
The combination of flying activity and professional discussions is intended to give crews a detailed understanding of each other’s procedures. Such exercises allow pilots, controllers, engineers and support personnel to practise coordination in a structured setting without linking the activity to any live contingency.
Jodhpur provides a major operating environment for the engagement and will host the participating aircraft and personnel throughout the exercise. The deployment of three Indian fighter types alongside Japan’s F-2A will expose both sides to different aircraft characteristics, planning methods and support requirements.
Veer Guardian forms part of a steadily expanding defence relationship between India and Japan. The two countries have increased service-to-service engagement as their wider strategic partnership has grown, with maritime security, resilient supply chains and a stable Indo-Pacific among their shared areas of interest.
For the Indian Air Force, the exercise offers an opportunity to train with a technologically advanced partner and test common approaches to complex missions. For Japan, operating from an Indian air base provides experience in a different geography and logistical setting while deepening familiarity with Indian platforms and procedures.
The expert exchanges on engineering and safety are also significant. Modern fighter operations depend not only on pilots but on maintenance, weapons, communications, air traffic control and ground-support teams. Comparing systems in these areas can improve the reliability and effectiveness of future joint activity.
Defence exercises between friendly countries are generally planned well in advance and focus on professional learning. Veer Guardian 2026 is expected to build on earlier interactions by increasing the depth of mission planning and the ability of the two forces to operate in coordination.
The exercise comes amid broader efforts by India and Japan to translate their strategic understanding into practical cooperation. Regular training creates institutional links between personnel and helps both sides identify areas where procedures can be aligned without compromising their respective operational requirements.
Activities at Jodhpur will continue until September 22, after which the participating forces will assess lessons from the missions and exchanges. The exercise is expected to strengthen mutual confidence and provide a basis for further air-force engagement between India and Japan.
