From Tejas To F-2: India, Japan Take Air Combat Cooperation To The Next Level

India and Japan are taking their defence cooperation into a new phase with the first-ever visit of Japanese fighter aircraft to India for a bilateral air exercise.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday described the development as an important step in the growing strategic relationship between the two countries. He said exchanges such as Exercise Veer Guardian were helping both air forces build greater operational coordination.

A significant milestone for India-Japan defence partnership! The maiden visit of the JASDF fighter aircraft to India reflects our growing trust and shared commitment to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. Following our highly productive discussions in New Delhi last month,… https://t.co/NVEMKoSBne

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) September 10, 2026

The Japan Air Self-Defence Force (JASDF) has deployed an F-2 fighter aircraft to Jodhpur for Exercise Veer Guardian 2026, being held from September 9 to 22.

Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said the deployment fulfils the goal of reciprocal fighter aircraft visits. Indian Air Force fighter aircraft had travelled to Japan three years ago.

Koizumi further said regular exchanges and joint training between frontline units were steadily strengthening Japan-India defence cooperation.

航空自衛隊の戦闘機が初めてインドを訪問しました。
３年前のインド空軍戦闘機による日本への初訪問に続き、今回、戦闘機による相互訪問が実現しました。
先月のシン国防大臣@rajnathsingh との会談でも、本訓練が日印防衛協力の深化を象徴する重要な取組であるとの認識を共有したところです。… https://t.co/naig9ed7tk

— 小泉進次郎 (@shinjirokoiz) September 9, 2026

The Indian Air Force is taking part in the 14-day exercise with its frontline platforms, including the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, Su-30 MKI and Rafale.

The participating personnel will undertake advanced operational missions alongside professional exchanges.

The exercise will feature mission planning meetings, subject matter expert sessions and discussions covering engineering and aerospace safety.

Singh said the Japanese aircraft deployment demonstrated growing trust between the two countries and their shared interest in maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

The Defence Ministry said Exercise Veer Guardian 2026 would improve tactical proficiency and strengthen operational coordination between the two air forces, while further consolidating their broader strategic partnership.

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