Exercise Veer Guardian-2026
The Indian Air Force (IAF) and Japan Air Self Defence Force (JASDF) are conducting the bilateral air exercise 'Veer Guardian-2026' at Air Force Station Jodhpur, Rajasthan, from 9th to 22nd September 2026.
Key Facts
- First edition: Held in Japan in 2023; this is the second edition.
- Duration: 14 days.
- Venue: Air Force Station Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
Participating Forces
- IAF: Frontline combat aircraft including the indigenous LCA Tejas, Su-30 MKI and Rafale.
- JASDF: F-2A fighter aircraft.
Focus Areas
- Advanced operational missions
- Air Combat Manoeuvring (ACM)
- Mission planning and tactical coordination
- Exchange of professional expertise
Objectives and Significance
- Enhance interoperability and combat readiness between the two air forces.
- Practise joint operations and understand each other's tactics.
- Improve coordination in air defence missions.
- Reflects growing India-Japan convergence in promoting a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific.
Other India-Japan Bilateral Exercises
| Exercise | Forces Involved | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| Dharma Guardian | Indian Army – Japan Ground Self-Defence Force | Counter-terrorism, tactical operations |
| JAIMEX | Indian Navy – Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force | Maritime security, anti-submarine warfare, interoperability |
| Veer Guardian | IAF – JASDF | Air combat, interoperability |
UPSC Relevance
- Prelims: Names of exercises, participating forces and aircraft.
- Mains (GS-2/GS-3): India-Japan strategic partnership, Indo-Pacific security architecture, defence diplomacy.