Exercise Veer Guardian 2026 Begins at Jodhpur as IAF and JASDF Boost Interoperability
The second edition of Exercise Veer Guardian, the bilateral air exercise between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF), will be held at Air Force Station Jodhpur from September 9 to September 22, 2026. The two-week exercise is intended to deepen interoperability, improve operational synergy and build greater mutual understanding between the two air forces.
The Japanese contingent has already begun arriving in India, marking the formal start of preparations for the exercise. Two JASDF C-2 transport aircraft landed at Air Force Station Jodhpur, bringing personnel and associated requirements to the exercise location ahead of the scheduled training phase.
Exercise Veer Guardian has gradually become an important platform for India and Japan to expand cooperation in the air domain through structured interaction and practical training. The second edition comes at a time when defence ties between the two countries are continuing to broaden, giving personnel from both sides another opportunity to train together in a common operational setting.
The exercise is centred on improving interoperability, which has become increasingly important in modern air operations that depend on coordination, information-sharing and the integration of multiple capabilities. Joint training allows aircrew and support personnel to become familiar with each other’s procedures and to better understand how the other side operates in practice.
Another major focus of Veer Guardian is operational synergy. Training together in a shared environment gives the IAF and JASDF an opportunity to sharpen coordination and build the ability to work together during complex scenarios. It also creates space for professional exchange, allowing personnel to learn from each other’s operational experience and practices.
The arrival of the JASDF’s C-2 aircraft at Jodhpur also underlines the importance of strategic and tactical airlift in supporting international military exercises. These aircraft carried the Japanese contingent to the exercise area and enabled the deployment of personnel and required equipment for the bilateral engagement.
Beyond the operational benefits, the exercise is also meant to strengthen mutual understanding between the Indian and Japanese armed forces. Regular contact between personnel helps build professional familiarity and reinforces the human connections that sustain long-term defence partnerships.
The exercise is taking place against the backdrop of steadily expanding defence and security cooperation between India and Japan. Over time, the two countries have widened military-to-military engagement through exercises, exchanges and institutional interactions across the services.
For the Indian Air Force, bilateral exercises with partner air forces provide a chance to expose personnel to different operational philosophies, procedures and approaches to air warfare. Such engagements also support the wider goal of building a force that can operate effectively alongside friendly and partner nations.
For the JASDF, participation in Veer Guardian offers an opportunity to train alongside the IAF in India’s operational environment while strengthening professional ties between the two air forces. The interaction also helps both sides gain a clearer understanding of each other’s capabilities and operational methods.
The second edition of Veer Guardian therefore goes beyond a routine bilateral training activity. It is part of a continuing effort by India and Japan to deepen defence cooperation through practical military engagement and sustained interaction between their armed forces.
The exercise also reflects the growing importance of air power cooperation within the broader India-Japan strategic relationship. As both countries continue to expand their defence partnership, exercises that bring operational personnel together serve as a practical way to translate strategic understanding into working-level cooperation.
With the Japanese contingent now at Jodhpur, Exercise Veer Guardian 2026 is set to bring together IAF and JASDF personnel for two weeks of professional interaction and training. The exercise will aim to improve interoperability, strengthen operational synergy and deepen mutual understanding.
The continued conduct of such bilateral exercises reflects the enduring friendship between India and Japan. Through regular operational engagement, both air forces are building familiarity, strengthening professional relationships and gaining confidence in working alongside one another.
Exercise Veer Guardian 2026 is expected to further consolidate the defence partnership between India and Japan while giving participating personnel valuable experience of training with a partner air force.
