Exercise Veer Guardian 2026
Why in News?
- Exercise Veer Guardian 2026 is recently in the news as the Japanese Air Self-Defence Force (JASDF) contingent has officially arrived in India for the highly anticipated second edition of this bilateral air combat exercise.
- Scheduled to take place from September 9 to September 22, 2026, at Air Force Station Jodhpur, Rajasthan, this iteration marks a major milestone in India-Japan defence relations.
Overview
- Nature of Exercise: A bilateral air combat exercise between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Japanese Air Self-Defence Force (JASDF).
- Edition: 2nd Edition (The inaugural exercise, Veer Guardian 2023, was successfully hosted at Hyakuri Air Base, Japan).
- Timeline: September 9 to September 22, 2026.
- Venue: Air Force Station Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.
Key Assets & Personnel Involved
- Japanese Fighters: Japan has dispatched three Mitsubishi F-2A fighter aircraft (a Japanese development inspired by the US F-16 platform) from the 8th Air Wing at Tsuiki Air Base.
- Japanese Transport Support: Two Kawasaki C-2 transport aircraft handled the logistics and transport for the contingent.
- Manpower: Japan has sent approximately 110 personnel to participate in the complex war games.
Objectives
- Interoperability: To enhance joint tactical proficiency and operational synergy in highly complex aerial combat scenarios.
- Combat Training: The drills primarily focus on advanced air-combat manoeuvring and real-time defensive/offensive aerial configurations.
- Strategic Bonding: To deepen mutual defence understanding and cement the long-term military cooperation between New Delhi and Tokyo.
