India, Japan conclude joint air exercise Veer Guardian 2026 at Jodhpur

22 September 2026

The Indian Air Force and the Japan Air Self Defense Force concluded the bilateral air exercise Veer Guardian 2026 at Air Force Station Jodhpur after a 14-day run. The IAF fielded Su-30 MKI, Rafale and Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas fighters, while the JASDF flew F-2A aircraft. The exercise featured within-visual-range combat and coordinated multi-aircraft missions, alongside subject matter expert exchanges, operational discussions, mission planning conferences, engineering interactions, maintenance practice and aerospace safety briefings. JASDF Chief of Staff General Takehiro Morita and IAF Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh both flew the Tejas during the exercise, which the IAF said was aimed at enhancing interoperability and strengthening the strategic partnership between the two air forces.