Japanese fighter aircraft operating from Indian soil for the first time has marked a significant development in defence cooperation between India and Japan. Air Chief Marshal A P Singh highlighted the importance of the deployment on Sunday during the ongoing bilateral air exercise Veer Guardian-2026.
Japanese F-2A Fighters Join Indian Aircraft
The 14-day exercise is being conducted at Air Force Station Jodhpur from September 9 to 22. The Indian Air Force is participating with frontline aircraft such as the indigenous Tejas, Su-30MKI and Rafale, while the Japan Air Self-Defense Force has deployed its F-2A fighter jets.
Japanese Air Self-Defense Force Chief of Staff General Takehiro Morita said bringing Japanese fighters to India demonstrated cooperation beyond joint exercises. He said it showed the ability to deploy air assets across the wider Indo-Pacific region.
Air Chiefs Fly Tejas Together
As part of the exercise, General Morita flew a Tejas aircraft alongside an Indian pilot, while Air Chief Marshal A P Singh also flew a Tejas during the sorties. The two air force chiefs also took part in a badge exchange ceremony, reflecting the partnership between the two forces.
Singh said the presence of Japanese fighters on Indian soil for the first time represented an important milestone in the relationship between the two countries.
Focus on Training and Operational Cooperation
The exercise involves advanced operational missions and professional exchanges between the two air forces. Both sides are also discussing areas such as mission planning, engineering and aerospace safety.
Singh said joint exercises allow both forces to learn from each other, understand operational practices and improve their capabilities through shared training.
Morita said the advanced training would help deepen mutual understanding, build trust and support long-term practical cooperation between India and Japan.
Japan Air Chief Praises Tejas
Morita described the Tejas as a symbol of India’s technological development and the country’s Make in India initiative. He said flying the aircraft gave him an opportunity to recognise the contribution of personnel from India’s armed forces and defence industry involved in its development.
He described the experience as a symbol of the trust and partnership developed between the two air forces over the years.
India’s Tejas Programme
Speaking about India’s indigenous fighter programme, Air Chief Marshal Singh said the country had placed orders for a large number of Tejas aircraft, although global supply-chain challenges had affected some deliveries.
He also said the development of the Tejas Mk-2, India’s advanced medium combat aircraft, would further strengthen the country’s defence aviation research and development capabilities.
