ACM AP Singh led a Tejas formation over Air Force Station Jodhpur on Sunday with Gen Takehiro Morita, Chief of Staff of Japan's Air Self-Defense Force,

Jodhpur, 20 September 2026

The second edition of the bilateral air exercise between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF), Exercise Veer Guardian-2026, is being conducted at Air Force Station Jodhpur from 09 to 22 September 2026.

The IAF is participating in the exercise with a mix of frontline combat aircraft, including the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, Su-30MKI and Rafale. The JASDF is participating with its F-2A fighter aircraft. The exercise includes advanced operational missions, mission planning conferences, subject matter expert exchanges and interactions on engineering and aerospace safety.

The exercise commenced on 09 September 2026. The JASDF contingent arrived in India with its personnel and equipment, while the F-2A fighter aircraft were ferried from Tsuiki Air Base, Japan, to Air Force Station Jodhpur. This is the first time that JASDF fighter aircraft are operating from Indian soil as part of a bilateral exercise.

During the exercise, air warriors from both air forces have undertaken operational flying and participated in professional interactions. The two contingents have also undertaken cultural exchange activities, including a yoga session on 12 September 2026.

Lt Gen Tasaki Takehiro, Commander, Western Air Defence Force, JASDF, visited Air Force Station Jodhpur during the exercise and interacted with the participating contingents and senior leadership of the IAF.

On 20 September 2026, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, IAF, and General Takehiro Morita, Chief of Staff, JASDF, participated in a Tejas formation sortie at Air Force Station Jodhpur.

Air Chief Marshal AP Singh flew in a fighter aircraft and led the formation. General Takehiro Morita flew in a trainer aircraft, with Gp Capt I Samrat, Commanding Officer of the Tejas Squadron, as the captain. The formation flew over the airfield and subsequently carried out a peel-off manoeuvre for landing.

The sortie provided General Morita an opportunity to experience the Tejas aircraft and its systems. The participation of the two Chiefs in the formation sortie also provided an opportunity for professional interaction between the senior leadership of the two Air Forces.

Speaking during the joint press interaction, General Takehiro Morita said:

“I will remember it not only as a truly valuable experience, but also as a powerful symbol of trust, confidence, and friendship”.

He added:

“Our partnership has progressed beyond simply conducting exercises together to refine our tactical capabilities at practical level. Through increasingly sophisticated training our two air forces have advanced our cooperation. These efforts strengthen our capability to contribute to peace and stability and over time help strengthen regional deterrents. Japan and India share that common vision of a free and open in the Pacific”.

Further, he added:

“The sophistication of our bilateral exercises reflects both the maturity of our partnership and our shared commitment to peace and stability in the region. Range of activities including exercises, exchanges at every level from senior leadership to subject matter expert exchanges and possibly co-operation in the space domain.”

Air Chief Marshal AP Singh welcomed General Morita and his contingent to India. Speaking about the partnership between the two Air Forces, the CAS said:

“It is a partnership built on mutual respect, professional trust, and shared commitment to peace and stability; And India and Japan share a vision of a free, open and rule based Indo- Pacific”.

He further added that the synergy achieved by both Air Forces was akin to Kizuna. Kizuna means the enduring bonds between people—close relationships forged through mutual trust and support. He described it as “A bond that grows stronger through shared experiences, mutual respect, and collaboration”.

While mentioning General Morita's sortie in the Tejas formation, the CAS said:

“I will say that the defence aviation industry and R & D is now set to hit much higher heights.”

He further described it as a “very clear example of how much faith and trust you have in the homegrown Indian aircraft”.

Exercise Veer Guardian-2026 will conclude on 22 September 2026, following which the JASDF contingent will return to Japan.