India and Japan Conduct First-Ever Joint Fighter Exercise in India

The Indian Air Force and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force are conducting Exercise Veer Guardian-2026 at Air Force Station Jodhpur from September 9 to 22. The 14-day bilateral exercise marks a historic milestone as the first time Japanese F-2A fighter aircraft have operated from Indian soil. The drills involve Indian Tejas, Su-30MKI, and Rafale jets alongside Japanese F-2A aircraft to enhance operational synergy and interoperability in the Indo-Pacific.

On September 20, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh led a formation sortie in the indigenous LCA Tejas as 'Eagle One'. During the event, Japan Air Self-Defense Force Chief of Staff General Takehiro Morita flew in a twin-seater Tejas trainer accompanied by an Indian pilot, making him the first air force chief from an Asian country to fly the aircraft. Singh characterized Morita's flight as a clear example of faith and trust in India's homegrown aerospace capabilities.

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described the deployment of Japanese aircraft as a significant milestone for the defense partnership and a reflection of a shared commitment to peace and stability. General Morita noted that the deployment demonstrates the ability to project air assets across the Indo-Pacific region. The exercise includes advanced operational missions, professional exchanges, and discussions on aerospace safety. Air Chief Marshal Singh, who is set to retire in one month, asserted that the institutional relationship between the two air forces will continue regardless of leadership changes.