IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh leads formation as JASDF Chief General Takehiro Morita experiences India’s indigenous fighter; exercise highlights growing defence aviation partnership
Jodhpur, September 20, 2026:
The Chiefs of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) participated in a Tejas formation sortie at Air Force Station Jodhpur on Sunday during the ongoing Exercise Veer Guardian-2026, marking a significant moment in India-Japan defence aviation cooperation.
Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, IAF, and General Takehiro Morita, Chief of Staff, JASDF, flew together in a formation involving the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas.
The second edition of the bilateral air exercise is being conducted from September 9 to 22, 2026, at Air Force Station Jodhpur.
JASDF F-2A Fighters Operate from Indian Soil
Exercise Veer Guardian-2026 brings together frontline fighter aircraft from both air forces.
The IAF is participating with a mix of LCA Tejas, Su-30MKI and Rafale fighter aircraft, while the JASDF has deployed its F-2A fighters.
A major feature of this year’s exercise is that the Japanese fighter aircraft are operating from Indian soil for the first time as part of a bilateral exercise.
The F-2A aircraft were ferried from Tsuiki Air Base in Japan to Air Force Station Jodhpur along with the Japanese contingent and associated equipment.
The exercise includes operational flying, advanced mission planning, professional exchanges and interactions covering engineering and aerospace safety.
Air Chiefs Take to the Skies in Tejas Formation
On September 20, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh flew in a fighter aircraft and led the formation, while General Morita flew in a trainer aircraft with Group Captain I Samrat, Commanding Officer of the Tejas Squadron, serving as captain.
The formation flew over the airfield before conducting a peel-off manoeuvre for landing.
For General Morita, the sortie provided an opportunity to experience the Tejas aircraft and its systems firsthand.
Beyond the flying experience, the sortie also provided the senior leadership of the two air forces an opportunity for professional interaction in an operational aviation environment.
Japanese Air Chief Calls Sortie a Symbol of Trust
Speaking during a joint press interaction, General Takehiro Morita described the experience as both valuable and symbolic of the relationship between the two air forces.
He said the partnership had progressed beyond simply conducting exercises to increasingly sophisticated training aimed at refining tactical capabilities.
Morita highlighted the broader India-Japan vision of contributing to regional peace and stability and maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific.
He also pointed to the expanding scope of bilateral cooperation, including interactions at different levels—from senior military leadership to subject matter experts—and potential cooperation in the space domain.
According to Morita, the increasing sophistication of the exercises reflects the development and maturity of the bilateral defence partnership.
AP Singh Highlights “Kizuna” Between the Two Air Forces
Air Chief Marshal AP Singh welcomed General Morita and the Japanese contingent to India and highlighted the relationship between the two air forces.
He described the partnership as being based on mutual respect, professional trust and a shared commitment to peace and stability.
Referring to the Japanese concept of “Kizuna”, the IAF Chief described it as an enduring bond between people built through mutual trust, support, shared experiences and collaboration.
The concept, he said, reflected the relationship that has developed through increasing interaction between the Indian and Japanese air forces.
Tejas Gets International Exposure
General Morita’s participation in the Tejas formation sortie also provided a high-profile demonstration of India’s indigenous fighter aircraft in an international military exercise.
Speaking about the Japanese Air Chief’s sortie, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh said the participation reflected the confidence placed in India’s homegrown aircraft.
He also linked the development to the broader growth of India’s defence aviation industry and research and development ecosystem.
The interaction comes as India continues to expand the indigenous development and production of military aircraft and associated technologies.
Advanced Operational Training
Exercise Veer Guardian-2026 is not limited to flying sorties.
The two air forces are conducting advanced operational missions and mission-planning conferences, alongside subject matter expert exchanges.
Engineering and aerospace safety are also part of the professional interaction programme, allowing personnel from both sides to exchange operational experience and technical perspectives.
The exercise is designed to provide opportunities for the two air forces to operate together, improve interoperability and gain a better understanding of each other’s procedures and operational practices.
Cultural Exchange and Wider Engagement
Alongside operational activities, the participating contingents have also undertaken cultural exchanges.
A yoga session was conducted on September 12, providing an opportunity for personnel from the two countries to interact outside the operational environment.
Earlier during the exercise, Lieutenant General Tasaki Takehiro, Commander, Western Air Defence Force, JASDF, visited Air Force Station Jodhpur and interacted with participating personnel and senior IAF leadership.
Such engagements have added a broader professional and cultural dimension to the bilateral exercise.
Exercise to Conclude on September 22
Exercise Veer Guardian-2026 is scheduled to conclude on September 22, after which the JASDF contingent will return to Japan.
The current edition represents another step in the evolution of India-Japan air cooperation, particularly as both countries expand defence engagement in the Indo-Pacific.
The deployment of Japanese F-2A fighters to India and the participation of the two Air Chiefs in a Tejas formation have provided prominent operational milestones during the exercise.
Key Takeaways
- IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh and JASDF Chief General Takehiro Morita participated in a Tejas formation sortie.
- Exercise Veer Guardian-2026 is being conducted at Air Force Station Jodhpur from September 9–22.
- IAF is participating with Tejas, Su-30MKI and Rafale fighters.
- JASDF has deployed F-2A fighter aircraft.
- It is the first time JASDF fighter aircraft are operating from Indian soil during a bilateral exercise.
- General Morita experienced the Tejas and its systems during the formation sortie.
- The exercise includes advanced missions, mission planning, SME exchanges and engineering and aerospace safety interactions.
- Both air forces have also conducted cultural exchanges, including a yoga session.
- The two Chiefs highlighted mutual trust, professional cooperation and a shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific.
- Exercise Veer Guardian-2026 will conclude on September 22, following which the Japanese contingent will return home.
The Tejas formation sortie involving the two Air Chiefs stands out as a significant operational and symbolic moment in India-Japan air-force cooperation. With Japanese F-2A fighters operating from Indian soil and both sides undertaking increasingly sophisticated training, Veer Guardian-2026 reflects the expanding scope of bilateral engagement in military aviation.