Air chiefs of India, Japan fly in Tejas during exercise Veer Guardian
The Air Chiefs of India and Japan, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh and Gen Takehiro Morita, flew in separate Tejas fighter jets during the bilateral air exercise 'Veer Guardian' in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. This event showcased trust in India's homegrown aircraft and aimed to strengthen defence partnerships and interoperability between the two nations.
Why it matters
This signifies a deepening military cooperation between India and Japan, highlighting India's indigenous defence capabilities and fostering strategic alliances in the Indo-Pacific region.
IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh and his Japanese counterpart Gen Takehiro Morita on Sunday (September 20, 2026) flew in separate Tejas jets, India’s homegrown fighter aircraft, as part of a formation sortie during an ongoing bilateral air exercise in Rajasthan’s Jodhpur.
While Air Chief Marshal Singh flew solo in a Tejas fighter jet, the Chief of Staff of the Japan Air Self-Defence Force (JASDF) “flew in a Tejas (trainer aircraft) along with an IAF pilot who is commanding a Tejas unit”, a senior official said.
CAS Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, JASDF Chief of Staff General Takehiro Morita and others during Exercise Veer Guardian-2026. | Photo Credit: PTI
The “Tejas formation sortie” was undertaken by the two chiefs during the India-Japan air exercise ‘Veer Guardian’ and lasted about 20-25 minutes, the official said.
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