New Delhi, India, September 10 (ANI): Defense Minister Rajnath Singh described Japan’s deployment of fighter aircraft to participate in Exercise Veer Guardian in Jodhpur as a “significant milestone” for the India-Japan defense partnership.
In a post on X, he said the maiden visit of Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) fighter aircraft to India reflects growing trust and a shared commitment to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
He recalled the “highly productive discussions” with his Japanese counterpart in New Delhi last month and noted that mutual exchanges, including Exercise Veer Guardian, further strengthen this synergy.
“A significant milestone for India-Japan defense partnership! The maiden visit of the JASDF fighter aircraft to India reflects our growing trust and shared commitment to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. Following our highly productive discussions in New Delhi last month, mutual exchanges such as Exercise Veer Guardian further strengthen this synergy,” Singh said in his post.
The Indian Air Force on Tuesday welcomed F-2 fighter jets of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force 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.
In a post on X, the media coordination center of the IAF wrote, “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 the Indo-Japan defense partnership to greater heights.”
The bilateral air exercise “Veer Guardian 2026” between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) will begin at Air Force Station Jodhpur and continue through September 22, 2026.
The Indian Air Force will participate with a diverse mix of frontline combat aircraft, including indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, Su-30 MKI and Rafale. 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. (ANI)
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