IAF-JASDF joint air exercise Veer Guardian concludes at Jodhpur

22 September 2026

The Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) concluded their joint air exercise, Veer Guardian 2026, at Air Force Station Jodhpur. The exercise ran for 14 days and involved the IAF's Su-30 MKI, Rafale and indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, alongside the JASDF's F-2A fighters. Activities included within-visual-range and coordinated multi-aircraft missions, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges, mission planning conferences and engineering interactions. On Distinguished Visitor's Day, JASDF Chief of Staff General Takehiro Morita and IAF Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh visited the station and flew the Tejas aircraft. The exercise aimed to enhance interoperability and strengthen the strategic partnership between the two air forces.