- The bilateral air exercise ‘Veer Guardian-2026’, aimed at further strengthening defense cooperation between India and Japan, will be held at Air Force Station Jodhpur in Rajasthan from September 9 to September 22, 2026.
- This 14-day exercise is considered a significant step towards enhancing military coordination, operational capabilities, and joint training between the two nations.
- This is the second edition of the ‘Veer Guardian’ exercise; the inaugural edition took place in Japan in 2023.
- A key highlight of this edition is that Japanese fighter aircraft will participate with an operational deployment at an Indian airbase for the first time. This underscores the deepening strategic and defense ties between India and Japan.
- The Indian Air Force will field key fighter aircraft such as the Tejas, Su-30MKI, and Rafale for the exercise.
- Meanwhile, three Mitsubishi F-2A fighter aircraft and approximately 110 military personnel from the 8th Wing of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (based at Tsuiki Air Base, Fukuoka Prefecture) will arrive in India.
- During this joint exercise, the air forces of both nations will share operational experiences and further strengthen their air combat skills, tactical coordination, and joint operational capabilities.
- ‘Veer Guardian-2026’ stands as a significant example of the steadily strengthening defense relationship between India and Japan.
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