IAF and Japan Air Self-Defence Force begin Exercise Veer Guardian-2026 at Jodhpur
From 9 to 22 September 2026, the Indian Air Force and the Japan Air Self-Defence Force are holding the bilateral air exercise Veer Guardian-2026 at Air Force Station Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
Summary
The Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Japan Air Self-Defence Force (JASDF) began the bilateral air exercise Veer Guardian-2026 at Air Force Station Jodhpur, Rajasthan, on 9 September 2026. The fourteen-day exercise runs until 22 September 2026. The IAF is fielding LCA Tejas, Su-30 MKI and Rafale fighters, while the JASDF is flying F-2A aircraft. The inaugural edition, Veer Guardian-2023, was held at Hyakuri Air Base in Japan from 12 to 26 January 2023 and was the first bilateral fighter exercise between the two air forces, following the second India–Japan 2+2 ministerial meeting of September 2022.
Key facts
- Exercise
- Veer Guardian-2026 (IAF–JASDF)
- Dates
- 9–22 Sep 2026
- Venue
- Air Force Station Jodhpur, Rajasthan
- IAF aircraft
- LCA Tejas, Su-30 MKI, Rafale
- JASDF aircraft
- F-2A
- First edition
- Veer Guardian-2023, Hyakuri Air Base, Japan, 12–26 Jan 2023
Practice MCQs 3 questions
Exercise Veer Guardian-2026, held from 9 to 22 September 2026, is 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-Defence Force (JASDF).
Where is Exercise Veer Guardian-2026 being conducted?
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Correct answer: C — Air Force Station Jodhpur
Veer Guardian-2026 is being held at Air Force Station Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
Consider the following statements about Exercise Veer Guardian: 1. Its first edition was held at Hyakuri Air Base in Japan in January 2023. 2. In the 2026 edition, the JASDF is flying F-2A aircraft. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: Veer Guardian-2023 was held at Hyakuri Air Base (12–26 January 2023), and the JASDF is flying F-2A jets at Jodhpur in 2026.