AIR DEFENCE EXERCISE WITH JASDF: EX VEER GUARDIAN-2026

The Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Japan Air Self Defence Force (JASDF) are conducting the bilateral air exercise, Veer Guardian-2026, at Air Force Station Jodhpur from September 9 to September 22, 2026. The IAF is participating with frontline combat aircraft including the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, Su-30 MKI, and Rafale, while the JASDF is participating with F-2A fighter aircraft. The fourteen-day exercise includes advanced operational missions, mission planning conferences, subject matter expert exchanges, and discussions on engineering and aerospace safety to foster operational synergy and tactical proficiency between the two nations.