IndiaExercise Veer Guardian 2026 deepens India-Japan air-combat cooperation
The bilateral drill at Jodhpur brings together Tejas, Su-30MKI, Rafale and Japan’s F-2A fighters.
THE INDIQA Research DeskPublished 9 Sept 2026Updated 12 Sept 20262 min read
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.
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GS-IIGS-IIIDefence exercises and Indo-Pacific partnershipsPrelims: HighMains: High
Why this matters
The bilateral drill at Jodhpur brings together Tejas, Su-30MKI, Rafale and Japan’s F-2A fighters.
Key facts
- Veer Guardian is a bilateral air exercise between India and Japan.
Key terms
- Veer Guardian
- JASDF
- Tejas
- Indo-Pacific
Arguments, challenges and policy responses
- Defence interoperability in India-Japan relations
India’s context
The drill strengthens interoperability with a key Indo-Pacific partner.
Practice question
How has defence cooperation become a central pillar of India-Japan strategic ties?
Revision summary
- Veer Guardian is a bilateral air exercise between India and Japan.
- Defence interoperability in India-Japan relations
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