India-Japan Air Exercise Concludes With First Japanese Fighter Deployment

The Indian Air Force and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force concluded the Veer Guardian 2026 bilateral air exercise on September 22, marking a significant milestone as Japanese F-2A fighter jets operated from Indian soil for the first time. The 14-day exercise, held at Air Force Station Jodhpur in Rajasthan from September 9 to 22, was designed to strengthen operational cooperation and interoperability between the two air forces. The deployment of Japanese fighters to India was highlighted by officials as a major step in the deepening defence partnership. "This exercise, especially because the Japanese fighters are operating from Indian soil for the first time, is a great milestone in our history of our relationship and our partnership," said Indian Air Chief Marshal AP Singh. He described Japan as an "Apatsu Mitram," or friend in times of crisis, reflecting the strategic trust between the two nations. During the exercise, both air force chiefs flew sorties in India's indigenous Tejas Light Combat Aircraft. JASDF Chief General Takehiro Morita flew as a passenger in a twin-seat Tejas variant, calling it a symbol of India's technological innovation and the Make in India initiative.