New Delhi, September 9 — The Indian Air Force on Tuesday welcomed F-2 fighter jets of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) for the bilateral combat exercise Veer Guardian 2026.
Announcing the launch of the joint air defense drills, the Indian Air Force highlighted the strategic objective of the engagement.
“The skies over Jodhpur are set for high-octane aerial action as the #IAF welcomes F-2s of #JASDF for Ex Veer Guardian. Strengthening interoperability, sharpening skills and taking Indo-Japan defense partnership to greater heights,” the IAF’s Media Coordination Centre said in a post on X.
The bilateral air exercise Veer Guardian 2026 between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) will be held at Air Force Station Jodhpur and continue through September 22.
The Indian Air Force will participate with a diverse mix of frontline combat aircraft, including the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, Su-30MKI and Rafale fighter jets. The JASDF will participate with its F-2A fighter aircraft, according to a Ministry of Defense release.
During the 14-day exercise, participating air warriors will undertake advanced operational missions and engage in extensive professional interactions.
The program includes mission-planning conferences, subject matter expert exchanges and interactions between personnel on engineering and aerospace safety, fostering what the Ministry of Defense described as “deep operational synergy” between the two air forces.
“Exercise Veer Guardian-26 reflects a deepening strategic partnership between India and Japan by enhancing tactical proficiency and aerospace operational synergy. The exercise reaffirms the longstanding bonds of friendship and strategic cooperation between the two nations,” the release said.
The Indian Air Force said two JASDF C-2 aircraft landed at Air Force Station Jodhpur, marking the arrival of the Japanese contingent for the second edition of the exercise.
The exercise is expected to further enhance interoperability, operational synergy and mutual understanding while reinforcing the longstanding 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 Sept. 9 to Sept. 22, 2026. 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 IAF’s Media Coordination Centre said in a post on X.
Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force said in an earlier release that the exercise aims to improve the tactical proficiency of participating units and deepen mutual understanding between the two air forces.
According to the JASDF, three F-2A fighter jets from the 8th Air Wing at Tsuiki Air Base and approximately 110 personnel will participate on behalf of Japan. (ANI)
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