Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh and Japan Air Self-Defense Force Chief of Staff General Takehiro Morita flew together in India’s indigenous Light Combat Aircraft Tejas during a formation sortie in Jodhpur today. The flight by the air chiefs of both nations comes as the Indian Air Force and Japan Air Self-Defense Force are conducting the joint air exercise ‘Veer Guardian 2026’ in Jodhpur.
This is the first time that Japanese fighter aircraft are operating from Indian soil as part of a bilateral exercise, further deepening the defence partnership between both the countries.
Talking to media in Jodhpur after the sortie, Air Chief Marshall Singh said, first-ever operation of Japanese fighter jet on Indian soil marks major milestone in bilateral defence ties.
The Japanese Air Chief appreciated the warm hospitality extended by the Indian side and described the Tejas as a symbol of India’s technological innovation and the country’s Make in India initiative
The 14-day exercise, which will conclude on Tuesday, focuses on advanced operational missions and extensive professional interactions between the two air forces. The exercise involves a diverse mix of Indian Air Force frontline combat aircraft, including the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, Su-30MKI and Rafale while Japan is participating with F-2A fighter aircraft.
