Japanese F-2 fighters arrive in India as Veer Guardian 2026 deepens Indo-Japan airpower cooperation

Jodhpur: The Indian Air Force has welcomed Japanese F-2A fighter jets of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) at Air Force Station Jodhpur for Exercise Veer Guardian 2026, marking a significant step in the growing operational relationship between the two air forces.

The second edition of the bilateral air-combat exercise is being conducted from September 9 to 22, with the Japanese contingent participating alongside Indian fighter aircraft.

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Japan has deployed three F-2A fighters from its 8th Air Wing, accompanied by around 110 personnel. This is the first dedicated deployment of Japanese F-2 fighters to India for the bilateral exercise.

The F-2 is a Japanese-developed derivative of the US F-16, extensively modified for Japan's operational requirements.

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The exercise will focus on air-combat manoeuvring, tactical proficiency and interoperability, giving both sides an opportunity to train against each other's operational methods and improve coordination.

Veer Guardian comes as India and Japan continue to deepen their Special Strategic and Global Partnership, including defence cooperation and military logistics.

The exercise also has significance for the wider Indo-Pacific security architecture. Greater interoperability between the IAF and JASDF gives both countries more experience operating together and strengthens practical military cooperation beyond high-level diplomatic commitments.

For India, training with Japan also provides exposure to a force operating in a strategically demanding environment shaped by air and maritime security challenges in the Western Pacific.

(Defence Watch– India’s Defence News centre that places the spotlight on Defence Manufacturing, Defence Technology, Strategy and Military affairs is on Twitter. Follow us here and stay updated.)