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India-Japan bilateral air combat exercises

Updated 2 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-09-08 13:50 UTC → 2026-09-11 16:43 UTC · added removed

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.

Versions

  1. 2026-09-11 16:43 UTC India-Japan bilateral air combat exercises
  2. 2026-09-08 13:50 UTC India-Japan bilateral air combat exercises
  3. 2026-09-06 20:45 UTC India-Japan bilateral air combat exercises

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