Exercise Veer Guardian 2026

Key notes

  • Exercise Veer Guardian 2026 was a bilateral air exercise between:

    • Indian Air Force.
    • Japan Air Self-Defense Force.
  • It was conducted at Air Force Station Jodhpur.
  • The exercise ran from 9 to 22 September 2026.

  • Indian aircraft included:

    • Su-30MKI.
    • Rafale.
    • Indigenous LCA Tejas.
  • Japan participated with F-2A fighter aircraft.

  • Training included:

    • Air-combat missions.
    • Within-visual-range combat.
    • Multi-aircraft coordinated operations.
    • Mission planning.
    • Aerospace safety and engineering exchanges.
  • It aims to improve interoperability and strengthen India–Japan strategic ties.
  • It is part of broader defence cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.