India and Japan have begun the Veer Guardian 2026 bilateral air exercise at Jodhpur in Rajasthan. The exercise starts today, September 9, and is scheduled to continue until September 22. It involves the Indian Air Force and Japan Air Self-Defense Force.
The exercise is part of growing defence cooperation between India and Japan. Joint military exercises provide an opportunity for the participating forces to improve coordination, communication and operational capabilities while working together in simulated air-combat situations.
The latest exercise also comes at a time when India and Japan are strengthening their broader strategic partnership in the Indo-Pacific region. Both countries have been increasing defence cooperation and conducting regular military exercises across different services.
For the Indian Air Force, such exercises provide valuable opportunities to train alongside a major international partner and exchange operational experiences. For Japan, cooperation with India is also important as both countries share an interest in maintaining stability and security in the Indo-Pacific.
The two-week programme is expected to include advanced flying operations and professional exchanges between personnel from the two air forces
