# India-Japan bilateral air combat exercises

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/india-japan-bilateral-air-combat-exercises
> Updated: 2026-09-10T22:30:00.000Z. Sources: 20. Developments: 4.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) have commenced the second edition of their bilateral air combat exercise, Veer Guardian 2026. Held at the Jodhpur Air Force Station in Rajasthan from September 9 to September 22, 2026, the drill follows the inaugural 2023 exercise held in Japan.

A notable feature of this iteration is the unprecedented deployment of Japanese Mitsubishi F-2A multi-role fighters to an Indian air base. The Japanese contingent includes approximately 110 personnel from the 8th Air Wing, supported by Kawasaki C-2 transport aircraft. The IAF is participating with frontline fighter aircraft, including the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, Su-30MKI, and Rafale.

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi stated that the deployment symbolizes the “deepening of defense ties between the two nations.” Officials noted that sending combat aircraft to like-minded countries serves as a deterrent and demonstrates the depth of these strategic relationships. The joint training aims to enhance interoperability, operational synergy, and mutual understanding through advanced operational missions, mission-planning conferences, and technical exchanges regarding aerospace safety and engineering.

In a related development, the IAF will host Dronathon 2026 at the Pokhran range in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, from September 14 to 16. This event provides a platform for domestic manufacturers and start-ups to showcase unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and counter-drone technologies. The IAF intends to conduct live operational trials to evaluate capabilities in surveillance, reconnaissance, swarm technologies, and electronic warfare, supporting India’s objective of increasing self-reliance in military manufacturing.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-10: Japan and India conduct joint Veer Guardian 2026 military exercises

Japan's ASDF F-2 fighter jets have arrived in India for the Veer Guardian 2026 exercise, aiming to strengthen defense cooperation and interoperability in the Indo-Pacific region.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japan-and-india-conduct-joint-veer-guardian-2026-military-exercises

### 2026-09-08: India and Japan launch Veer Guardian 2026 air exercise in Jodhpur

India and Japan have launched the ‘Veer Guardian 2026’ bilateral air exercise in Jodhpur, featuring F-2 and LCA Tejas fighter jets to enhance strategic interoperability.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/indian-air-force-to-host-bilateral-air-exercise-with-japan-and-drone-technology-event

### 2026-09-05: Japan and India launch Exercise Veer Guardian 2026 in Jodhpur

India and Japan have launched Exercise Veer Guardian 2026 in Jodhpur, featuring the first-ever deployment of Japanese F-2A fighter aircraft to an Indian air base to enhance military interoperability.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japan-and-india-launch-exercise-veer-guardian-2026-in-jodhpur

### 2026-09-04: Indian Air Force conducts Dornier-228 drill and prepares for India-Japan air exercise

The IAF conducted a Dornier-228 ‘Elephant Walk’ drill, GE Aerospace delivered three more engines for the Tejas Mk1A programme, and India and Japan prepare for the Veer Guardian 2026 air combat exercise.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hindustan-aeronautics-limited-receives-three-ge-engines-for-tejas-mk1a

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Cite as: India-Japan bilateral air combat exercises. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/india-japan-bilateral-air-combat-exercises