NEW DELHI, India, September 5 — As New Delhi and Tokyo continue to bolster their ties across the defense sector, a Japanese Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) contingent arrived in Jodhpur ahead of Exercise Veer Guardian 2026.
Sharing details in a post on X, the Indian Air Force said that two JASDF C-2 aircraft touched down at Air Force Station Jodhpur, marking the arrival of the Japanese contingent for the second edition of the exercise.
The exercise will further enhance interoperability, operational synergy and mutual understanding, reinforcing the enduring bonds of friendship between India and Japan.
“EXERCISE VEER GUARDIAN 26: Ex Veer Guardian 2026 is being conducted between #IndianAirForce and Japanese Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) at Jodhpur from 09 Sep to 22 Sep 26. Two JASDF C-2 aircraft touched down at Air Force Station Jodhpur, marking the arrival of the Japanese contingent for the second edition of the Exercise. The exercise will further enhance interoperability, operational synergy and mutual understanding, reinforcing the enduring bonds of friendship between India and Japan,” the media coordination center of the Indian Air Force said in a post on X on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force, in a prior release, said the purpose of the exercise is to improve the tactical proficiency of units and deepen mutual understanding between the two air forces. The training will focus on air combat maneuvering.
According to the JASDF, “3 F-2As, 8th Air Wing (Tsuiki Air Base) and approximately 110 members” will participate from the Japanese side.
Japan Today reported that Takehiro Morita, chief of staff of the JASDF, said the exercise would further strengthen ties.
“It will be a great opportunity to further deepen mutual understanding and relationship of trust.”
The exercise comes shortly after Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi visited India in August and held a meeting with Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh. Both nations agreed to expand cooperation across key sectors, including maritime security and the Indo-Pacific region.
Signaling a firm posture amid regional assertiveness, both ministers affirmed that the Indo-Pacific must remain free and open. They further exchanged perspectives on the regional and international security environment against the backdrop of prevailing global tensions.
The two ministers welcomed the steady strengthening of defense cooperation, including cooperation among the respective ministries and the armed services of the two countries, which share strategic perspectives under the “Japan-India Special Strategic and Global Partnership,” a framework that constitutes one of the pillars for peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. (ANI)
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