📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / VD from India
Defence
India-Japan Air Forces to Conduct ‘Veer Guardian‑2026’ Exercise in Jodhpur
✍️ Amar Ujala · Jodhpur
🗓 08 Sep 2026, 11:02 PM
👁 5
The Indian and Japanese air forces will hold the bilateral ‘Veer Guardian‑2026’ exercise in Jodhpur, focusing on operational coordination and interoperability.
New Delhi – The Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Japan Air Self‑Defense Force (JASDF) are set to launch a two‑sided air drill named “Veer Guardian‑2026” at the Jodhpur air base in Rajasthan. The exercise, scheduled for later this year, will bring together combat aircraft from both nations to rehearse joint missions and refine tactical procedures.
The primary objectives of the drill include enhancing operational synchronisation, testing cross‑platform communication, and sharing best practices in air combat. Participants will conduct simulated complex air campaigns, ranging from air‑to‑air engagements to strike missions, to assess how effectively the two forces can operate together under realistic conditions.
Officials from the Ministry of Defence said the exercise underscores the growing strategic partnership between India and Japan, especially in the Indo‑Pacific region. By conducting regular joint training, both air forces aim to improve readiness and build a foundation for future collaborative operations.
The Jodhpur venue, known for its high‑altitude runway and desert terrain, offers a challenging environment that tests pilot skill and aircraft performance. The drill will also involve ground crews and support units to ensure seamless coordination across all levels of the operation.
The “Veer Guardian‑2026” exercise is expected to run for several weeks, after which a joint review will be conducted to evaluate outcomes and identify areas for further cooperation.
The primary objectives of the drill include enhancing operational synchronisation, testing cross‑platform communication, and sharing best practices in air combat. Participants will conduct simulated complex air campaigns, ranging from air‑to‑air engagements to strike missions, to assess how effectively the two forces can operate together under realistic conditions.
Officials from the Ministry of Defence said the exercise underscores the growing strategic partnership between India and Japan, especially in the Indo‑Pacific region. By conducting regular joint training, both air forces aim to improve readiness and build a foundation for future collaborative operations.
The Jodhpur venue, known for its high‑altitude runway and desert terrain, offers a challenging environment that tests pilot skill and aircraft performance. The drill will also involve ground crews and support units to ensure seamless coordination across all levels of the operation.
The “Veer Guardian‑2026” exercise is expected to run for several weeks, after which a joint review will be conducted to evaluate outcomes and identify areas for further cooperation.