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The Indian Air Force (IAF) and Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) will conduct the third edition of the Veer Guardian air exercise in Jodhpur from September 13 to 20, with Japanese F-2 fighter jets set to operate from an Indian airbase for the first time.

The exercise marks a significant expansion of air cooperation between the two countries and will involve fighter operations and air combat training between the two air forces.

India will deploy its Su-30MKI, Rafale and Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas fighter jets for the exercise, while Japan will field its F-2 fighters.

Japanese Air Force Chief Likely To Attend

Defence sources said the Japanese Air Force chief is also likely to participate in the exercise, underscoring the growing defence engagement between India and Japan.

The deployment of Japanese F-2 fighters to an Indian airbase is particularly significant as it will provide the two forces an opportunity to conduct more complex air combat and operational drills in the Indian environment.

Exercise Mentioned In India-Japan Joint Statement

The third edition of Veer Guardian was specifically mentioned in the joint statement issued by India and Japan during Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi’s visit to New Delhi.

During the visit, Koizumi held bilateral talks with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, with the two sides agreeing to further deepen defence cooperation and bilateral military exercises.

The two ministers also signed a Memorandum of Arrangement on Maritime Security Cooperation aimed at strengthening information sharing and mutual logistics support between the two countries.

The agreement is expected to further enhance operational coordination and interoperability between the Indian and Japanese armed forces.

Third Edition To Be Held In India

The Veer Guardian exercise was first conducted in January 2023 at Japan’s Hyakuri Air Base. The second edition was also held at Hyakuri in January 2025.

The third edition will be the first time the exercise is being hosted in India, giving Japanese fighter crews an opportunity to operate from an Indian airbase and train alongside the IAF in Indian airspace.

The exercise will focus on fighter operations and air combat training, providing both sides an opportunity to exchange operational experience and improve interoperability.

The growing frequency and complexity of such exercises reflect the expanding strategic and defence partnership between India and Japan, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Veer Guardian air exercise is part of a broader effort by India and Japan to deepen defence ties, which includes naval shipbuilding, technology sharing, and increased maritime security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. This collaboration aims to strengthen peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

India and Japan have agreed to expand their military exercises, increase their complexity, integrate unmanned systems, and pursue exercises at short notice. This includes the upcoming Veer Guardian 26 air force exercise, which will involve Japanese Air Self-Defence Force fighter aircraft visiting India for the first time.