India, Japan Air Chiefs take Tejas to the skies in Veer Guardian 2026

The drills are being conducted at Air Force Station Jodhpur in Rajasthan and are scheduled to continue until September 22. During the fourteen-day exercise, participating air warriors will undertake advanced operational missions and engage in extensive professional interactions.

Indian Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh and Japan air self-defence force (JASDF) chief of staff general Takehiro Morita took to the skies in Tejas aircraft at Air Force Station Jodhpur on Sunday during the ongoing India-Japan bilateral air exercise Veer Guardian-2026.

The sortie came as frontline fighter aircraft from the two air forces took part in advanced operational drills aimed at strengthening interoperability and defence cooperation.The two air chiefs walked towards their respective Tejas aircraft before taking off as part of the exercise. The joint sortie provided a prominent visual from the ongoing drills, which bring together combat aircraft and air warriors from India and Japan.

Japan air chief hails Tejas, Make in India

Morita said he was grateful for the opportunity to fly the Tejas and praised the aircraft as a symbol of India's indigenous defence capabilities.

He said, "It is a privilege to be with you today, and I would like to show my appreciation for your warm welcome and hospitality. I am grateful for the invaluable opportunity to fly on the Tejas. As an aircraft representing indigenous defence capabilities, the Tejas stands as a symbol of India's technological innovation and embodies the 'Make in India' initiative."

He further added, While flying, I found myself reflecting on the efforts of many people, both in the military and industry, who contributed to its development. Through this experience, I gained a firsthand appreciation of the outstanding training environment available to the Indian Air Force and the tremendous value that this exercise provides to the Japan Air Self-Defence Force as a partner. I will remember it not only as a truly invaluable experience, but also as a powerful symbol of the trust, confidence, and partnership that have been built between our two air services over many years."

'Kizuna' defines India-Japan air force ties

Air Chief Marshal Singh said the exercise reflected the high degree of trust between the two air forces and their shared vision for the Indo-Pacific."India and Japan share a vision of a free, open, and rule-based Indo-Pacific. Stronger cooperation between our air forces contributes to that shared objective of our countries. We have already heard how the relationship between our two air forces has grown over time from ShinMayu Maitri to Veer Guardian, and from basic Subject Matter Expert Exchanges to conducting exercises at a tactical level, and that too in a very complex environment.

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Singh said joint exercises allow both sides to learn from each other's operational experience and improve their capabilities."This exercise reflects the very high degree of trust and confidence that the two air forces have in each other. When we exercise together, we learn from each other, fly together, and train together, so both sides improve together. There is always so much to learn from each other's operations, and these exercises give us that opportunity to see how the other side operates.

I am sure this will add to the capabilities of both sides.

I can best describe this synergy as 'Kizuna.' It has been explained to me as an enduring bond or connection, one that grows stronger through shared experiences, mutual respect, and collaborative operations..."

India, Japan fighter jets take part in drills

The Indian Air Force is participating in Veer Guardian-2026 with a mix of frontline combat aircraft, including the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, Su-30MKI and Rafale fighter jets.The JASDF has deployed its F-2A fighter aircraft for the exercise.

The drills are being conducted at Air Force Station Jodhpur in Rajasthan and are scheduled to continue until September 22.During the fourteen-day exercise, participating air warriors will undertake advanced operational missions and engage in extensive professional interactions.

Japanese F-2 fighters make maiden India visit

Veer Guardian-2026 also marks the maiden visit of JASDF fighter aircraft to India.

The Indian Air Force welcomed the Japanese F-2 fighter jets on September 8 ahead of the bilateral exercise.In a post on X, the IAF media coordination centre said, "The skies over Jodhpur are set for high-octane aerial action as the #IAF welcomes F-2s of #JASDF for Ex Veer Guardian. Strengthening interoperability, sharpening skills and taking the Indo–Japan defence partnership to greater heights."

Rajnath Singh calls exercise a milestone

Union defence minister Rajnath Singh had earlier described Japan's deployment of fighter aircraft to India for Veer Guardian as a "significant milestone" in the India-Japan defence partnership.In a September 10 post on X, Singh said the maiden visit of JASDF fighter aircraft to India reflected growing trust and a shared commitment to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

He also recalled his "highly productive discussions" with his Japanese counterpart in New Delhi last month and said mutual exchanges such as Veer Guardian further strengthen the synergy between the two countries.The exercise is focused on strengthening operational coordination between the IAF and JASDF through joint air operations, advanced missions and professional exchanges.