Jodhpur, September 2026 — Marking a historic milestone in bilateral defense relations, the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (Koku Jieitai) have commenced the ‘Veer Guardian-2026’ joint military exercise in Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
This year’s drills hold special significance as they mark the first-ever deployment of Japanese fighter aircraft to operate directly from Indian soil.
A Historic Milestone in Defense Cooperation
The exercise, which began on September 9 and featured major formal addresses on September 20, symbolizes a deepening strategic partnership between New Delhi and Tokyo.
- First Deployment to India: While previous engagements involved subject-matter exchanges or bilateral exercises abroad, the deployment of Koku Jieitai fighters to Indian airbases underscores a growing level of operational trust.
- High-Level Leadership Remarks: Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh and Japan Air Self-Defense Force Chief General Takehiro Morita met in Jodhpur to oversee the tactical drills, emphasizing mutual respect and professional synergy.
Highlighting Indigenous Defense: Flying the Tejas
During the drills, Japanese Air Chief Takehiro Morita had the opportunity to experience a flight aboard India’s indigenous light combat aircraft, the LCA Tejas.
- Symbol of “Make in India”: Morita praised the Tejas as a powerful emblem of India’s technological innovation and defense manufacturing capabilities under the Make in India initiative.
- Mutual Learning: The Japanese leadership commended the IAF’s training environment, noting that joint exercises allow both air forces to observe each other’s operational tactics and grow stronger together.
Commitment to a Free and Open Indo-Pacific
Against the backdrop of broader geopolitical alignments, both air chiefs reaffirmed their shared vision for regional stability.
- Shared Objectives: Both India and Japan emphasized their commitment to maintaining a free, open, and rule-based Indo-Pacific region.
- “Kizuna” Partnership: Describing the relationship using the Japanese concept of Kizuna (an enduring bond of connection built on shared experiences and mutual respect), military leaders highlighted that closer bilateral air cooperation acts as a vital anchor for peace and prosperity.
Bottom Line
The successful execution of ‘Veer Guardian-2026’ in Jodhpur signals a new chapter in India-Japan defense ties. By expanding collaboration from tactical exercises to complex operational interoperability on Indian soil, both nations continue to solidify their strategic partnership in the Indo-Pacific.
