IAF–Japan air exercise Veer Guardian 2026 concludes at Air Force Station Jodhpur
On 22 September 2026, the bilateral air exercise Veer Guardian 2026 between the Indian Air Force and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force concluded at Air Force Station Jodhpur.
Summary
Exercise Veer Guardian 2026 ran for 14 days and covered within-visual-range combat and coordinated multi-aircraft missions. The Indian Air Force fielded Su-30 MKI, Rafale and indigenous LCA Tejas aircraft, while the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) flew F-2A fighters. On Distinguished Visitor's Day, JASDF Chief of Staff General Takehiro Morita and Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh flew the Tejas.
Key facts
- Exercise
- Veer Guardian 2026 — IAF and Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF)
- Venue / end
- Air Force Station Jodhpur, Rajasthan; concluded 22 Sep 2026
- Duration
- 14 days
- Aircraft
- IAF: Su-30 MKI, Rafale, LCA Tejas; JASDF: F-2A
- Highlight
- Gen Takehiro Morita (JASDF) and ACM A.P. Singh flew the Tejas
Practice MCQs 3 questions
Exercise Veer Guardian 2026 was held between the Indian Air Force and the air force of which country?
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Correct answer: A — Japan
Veer Guardian is a bilateral air exercise between the IAF and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.
Where did Exercise Veer Guardian 2026 conclude on 22 September 2026?
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Correct answer: B — Air Force Station Jodhpur
The exercise concluded at Air Force Station Jodhpur after 14 days of joint training.
Consider the following about Exercise Veer Guardian 2026: 1. The Japan Air Self-Defense Force participated with F-35A fighter aircraft. 2. The IAF fielded Su-30 MKI, Rafale and LCA Tejas aircraft. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B — 2 only
Japan flew F-2A fighters, not F-35A, so statement 1 is wrong. The IAF fielded Su-30 MKI, Rafale and Tejas.