The second edition of Exercise Veer Guardian 2026 between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) is set to be conducted at Air Force Station Jodhpur from September 9 to September 22, 2026. The bilateral air exercise is aimed at further strengthening interoperability, operational synergy and mutual understanding between the two air forces.
The arrival of the Japanese contingent in India marked an important step towards the commencement of the exercise, with two JASDF C-2 transport aircraft touching down at Air Force Station Jodhpur. The arrival of the aircraft signalled the formal movement of the Japanese contingent into the exercise area ahead of the planned training activities.
Exercise Veer Guardian has emerged as an important platform for India and Japan to enhance cooperation between their air forces through structured interaction and operational training. The second edition builds upon the growing defence relationship between the two countries and provides an opportunity for personnel from both sides to operate together in a common training environment.
The exercise is designed to enhance interoperability between the IAF and JASDF, an increasingly important requirement as modern air operations involve complex coordination, information sharing and the integration of multiple capabilities. Joint exercises such as Veer Guardian allow participating personnel to familiarise themselves with operational procedures and develop a better understanding of each other’s working methods.
Operational synergy will remain another important focus of the exercise. By training together, the participating forces can develop greater coordination and strengthen their ability to work together during complex operational scenarios. Such interaction also provides an opportunity for personnel to exchange professional experiences and learn from each other’s operational practices.
The presence of JASDF C-2 aircraft at Jodhpur also highlights the role of strategic and tactical airlift in enabling international military exercises. The aircraft transported the Japanese contingent and associated requirements to the exercise location, facilitating the deployment of personnel and equipment for the bilateral engagement.
Beyond the operational dimension, Exercise Veer Guardian also contributes to greater mutual understanding between the Indian and Japanese armed forces. Regular interaction between personnel helps build professional familiarity and strengthens the human connections that underpin long-term defence partnerships.
The exercise takes place against the backdrop of increasingly close defence and security cooperation between India and Japan. Both countries have progressively expanded 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 valuable opportunities to expose personnel to different operational philosophies, procedures and approaches to air warfare. Such engagements also support the broader objective of developing a force capable of operating effectively alongside friendly and partner nations.
For the JASDF, participation in Veer Guardian provides an opportunity to train alongside the IAF in India’s operational environment while strengthening professional ties between the two air forces. The interaction contributes to a broader understanding of each other’s capabilities and operational approaches.
The second edition of Veer Guardian therefore represents more than a routine bilateral training activity. It forms part of the continuing effort by India and Japan to deepen defence cooperation through practical military engagement and sustained interaction between their armed forces.
The exercise also reinforces the importance of air power cooperation in the wider India-Japan strategic relationship. As both countries continue to strengthen their defence partnerships, exercises that bring operational personnel together provide an important mechanism for translating strategic understanding into practical cooperation.
With the Japanese contingent now arriving at Jodhpur, Exercise Veer Guardian 2026 is set to bring together personnel from the IAF and JASDF for a two-week period of professional interaction and training. The exercise will seek to improve interoperability, strengthen operational synergy and deepen mutual understanding.
The continued conduct of such bilateral exercises reflects the enduring bonds of friendship between India and Japan. Through regular operational engagement, both air forces are strengthening professional relationships while building greater confidence and familiarity at the working level.
Exercise Veer Guardian 2026 is consequently expected to further consolidate the defence partnership between India and Japan, while providing participating personnel with valuable experience of operating and training alongside a partner air force.
