The fighter planes of Japan have been dispatched to India, thereby creating the opening of a new era in terms of defence relations between India and Japan. The Indian Air Force has received fighter planes of the Japan Air Self-Defence Force (JASDF) at Air Force Station Jodhpur on Tuesday. This reception was in connection with the combat exercise known as Veer Guardian 2026. The arrival has been termed a milestone by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for India-Japan relations. According to a post on X by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the arrival indicates the level of trust and commitment towards peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. He also mentioned the fruitful meeting he had with Japan's counterpart in New Delhi last month.
India-Japan Defence Partnership Gets A Boost
This is an important occasion for the landing of JASDF fighter jets in India. For both nations, this occasion is viewed as symbolic of growing cooperation. The media coordination cell of the Indian Air Force characterizes the exercise as a chance to enhance compatibility and expertise between the two air forces. They say that the exercise is a move towards elevating the defence relationship between India and Japan.
Exercise Veer Guardian 2026 Details
Bilateral aerial exercises commenced at the Indian Air Force Station Jodhpur, and they will conclude on September 22, 2026, after 14 days of training. On their part, during this exercise, they will be using different types of aircraft, including the indigenously built Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, Su-30 MKI, and Rafale jets. As per information released by the Ministry of Defence, the Japanese are participating in the exercise along with their fighter planes. During the exercise, the air warriors of both countries will carry out operational assignments and engage in professional exchanges.
-Ishita Ranjan
"The fighter planes of Japan have been dispatched to India, thereby creating the opening of a new era in terms of defence relations between I…"
