TopicDefence exercises and Indo-Pacific partnerships
Importance★★★★☆
Image: ANI / Big News Network - Veer Guardian file photo
The Indian Air Force and Japan Air Self-Defense Force are conducting Exercise Veer Guardian 2026 at Air Force Station Jodhpur from September 9 to 22. The IAF is participating with Tejas, Su-30MKI and Rafale aircraft, while Japan is fielding the F-2A.
The exercise goes beyond flying sorties. It includes mission planning, technical exchanges and aerospace-safety interaction. In strategic terms, it reflects the growing defence dimension of the India-Japan partnership and the wider Indo-Pacific security architecture.
Prelims Lens
Prelims Lens
Veer Guardian is a bilateral air exercise between India and Japan.
Mains Lens
Mains Lens
Central issue: The bilateral drill at Jodhpur brings together Tejas, Su-30MKI, Rafale and Japan’s F-2A fighters.
Dimensions: International Relations & Geopolitics · Internal Security
Defence interoperability in India-Japan relations
India angle: The drill strengthens interoperability with a key Indo-Pacific partner.
Possible UPSC-style questionHow has defence cooperation become a central pillar of India-Japan strategic ties?
