India’s indigenous Tejas fighter aircraft was at the centre of attention during Exercise Veer Guardian 2026 as Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh and Japan Air Self-Defence Force (JASDF) Chief of Staff General Takehiro Morita took part in Tejas sorties at Air Force Station Jodhpur.
The aerial engagement on September 20 came as Indian and Japanese air forces continued their bilateral training exercise in Rajasthan. The Indian contingent is operating Tejas, Su-30MKI and Rafale fighters, while Japan has brought its F-2A combat aircraft for the exercise.
General Morita flew in a twin-seat Tejas alongside an Indian Air Force pilot, giving the Japanese air chief an opportunity to experience the Indian-developed Light Combat Aircraft from the cockpit. Air Chief Marshal AP Singh also undertook a Tejas sortie and led the formation during the activity.
The flight highlighted the increasing level of interaction between the two air forces. Beyond the participation of combat aircraft, Veer Guardian 2026 is providing opportunities for pilots and operational personnel from India and Japan to exchange experience, conduct mission planning and train together in simulated operational scenarios.
The participation of Japanese F-2A fighters is another notable aspect of this year’s exercise, with the aircraft operating from Indian soil alongside Indian fighter platforms. Such engagements allow both sides to familiarise themselves with different aircraft, tactics and operational procedures while developing greater interoperability.
Exercise Veer Guardian 2026 commenced at Jodhpur on September 9 and is scheduled to conclude on September 22. The exercise forms part of the broader defence engagement between India and Japan and focuses on strengthening cooperation between their air forces through practical flying activities and professional exchanges.
The Tejas sorties involving the two air chiefs have added significance to the exercise, bringing together senior leadership and frontline aviation capabilities in a shared training environment. The engagement also provides a visible demonstration of the growing operational relationship between the Indian Air Force and the Japan Air Self-Defence Force.
Facebook Comments