India, Japan to conduct two-week air exercise Veer Guardian in Jodhpur from today
The Indian Air Force and Japan Air Self-Defense Force are conducting a 14-day bilateral air exercise called Veer Guardian-2026 in Jodhpur. The training involves frontline fighter jets from both nations to enhance interoperability and strategic cooperation.
Why it matters
This exercise highlights the strengthening defense partnership between India and Japan in the Indo-Pacific region.
NEW DELHI: The Indian Air Force (IAF) and Japan Air Self Defence Force (JASDF) will conduct bilateral Air Exercise, Veer Guardian-2026, at Air Force Station Jodhpur, from Wednesday till Sept 22, the defence ministry said on Tuesday.The 14-day exercise will see the participation of frontline fighter aircraft from both countries. While the Indian Air Force will participate with a diverse mix of frontline combat aircraft, including indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, Su-30 MKl and Rafale jets, JASDF will participate with its F-2A fighter aircraft, the ministry said.The Japanese F-2A is a close cousin of the American F-16 Fighting Falcon, sharing the same basic airframe design but heavily modified for maritime defence.
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