Jodhpur: A Tejas fighter formation sortie involving the chiefs of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) marked a key moment in the ongoing Exercise Veer Guardian-2026 at Air Force Station Jodhpur.
Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the Air Staff of the IAF, and General Takehiro Morita, Chief of Staff of the JASDF, took part in the formation sortie on September 20 as the bilateral air exercise entered its final phase.
The second edition of Exercise Veer Guardian is being conducted from September 9 to 22. The exercise features Indian frontline aircraft including the LCA Tejas, Su-30MKI and Rafale, while Japan is participating with its F-2A fighter aircraft.
The current edition is also significant as it marks the first time JASDF fighter aircraft have operated from Indian soil during a bilateral exercise. The Japanese F-2A aircraft were flown to Jodhpur from Tsuiki Air Base in Japan along with the participating contingent.
IAF and JASDF chiefs take part in Tejas sortie
During the September 20 sortie, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh led the formation after taking off in a fighter aircraft. General Morita flew in a trainer aircraft, with Group Captain I Samrat, Commanding Officer of the Tejas Squadron, serving as captain.
The formation flew over the airfield before carrying out a peel-off manoeuvre for landing.
The sortie gave General Morita an opportunity to experience the Tejas and its systems, while also providing the senior leadership of both air forces an opportunity for professional interaction.
Speaking during a joint press interaction, General Morita described the flight as a memorable experience and said it represented the trust and friendship between India and Japan.
He said cooperation between the two air forces has moved beyond conventional exercises, with increasingly sophisticated training and professional exchanges aimed at strengthening their ability to contribute to regional peace and stability.
Exercise focuses on operational cooperation
Exercise Veer Guardian-2026 includes operational flying, mission planning conferences, subject matter expert exchanges and discussions on engineering and aerospace safety.
The exercise began on September 9, with the JASDF contingent arriving in India with personnel and equipment. Cultural exchanges have also formed part of the programme, including a joint yoga session held on September 12.
Lt Gen Tasaki Takehiro, Commander of the Western Air Defence Force, JASDF, also visited Air Force Station Jodhpur during the exercise and interacted with participating personnel and senior IAF leadership.
Air Chief Marshal AP Singh said the relationship between the two air forces is based on mutual respect, professional trust and a shared commitment to peace and stability.
Referring to the Japanese concept of Kizuna, which represents enduring bonds built through trust, support and shared experiences, the IAF chief said the growing cooperation between the two air forces reflected such a bond.
Speaking about General Morita’s experience flying in the Tejas formation, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh also highlighted the growing capabilities of India’s defence aviation sector and research and development ecosystem.
Exercise Veer Guardian-2026 is scheduled to conclude on September 22, after which the JASDF contingent will return to Japan.
